> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.couchdrop.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.couchdrop.io/walkthroughs/sftp-recipes/using-sftp-clients/openssh-sftp.md).

# OpenSSH SFTP

OpenSSH, which is a suite of secure networking utilities based on the SSH (Secure Shell) protocol, includes a command-line utility for interacting with SSH servers for file transfer purposes. This utility is simply called `sftp`.

## How to use OpenSSH SFTP

Here's a brief overview of how to use the `sftp` command:

1. **Connecting to a Server**:
   * To connect to an SSH server using SFTP, you would typically use the following command:

     ```bash
     sftp username@hostname
     ```
   * Replace `username` with your username on the server and `hostname` with the hostname or IP address of the server.
2. **Authenticating**:
   * After executing the command, you will be prompted to enter your password for the specified username.
3. **Navigating Directories**:
   * Once connected, you'll be in the SFTP interactive shell, similar to a command-line interface.
   * You can use commands like `ls`, `cd`, and `pwd` to navigate directories on the server.
4. **Transferring Files**:
   * To upload a file from your local machine to the server, you can use the `put` command:

     ```arduino
     put localfile.txt
     ```
   * To download a file from the server to your local machine, you can use the `get` command:

     ```arduino
     get remotefile.txt
     ```
5. **Exiting SFTP**:
   * To exit the SFTP session, you can use the `exit` command:

     ```bash
     exit
     ```
   * Or simply type `exit` and press Enter.

The `sftp` command-line utility provides a straightforward way to perform secure file transfers over SSH connections without needing a separate FTP client. It's often used in scripting and automation tasks where manual interaction isn't required.

\
Using OpenSSH SFTP with Couchdrop
---------------------------------

Couchdrop supports the default **sftp** command natively. Simply switch out the hostname and credentials from the example above.

```bash
sftp user-s122@companyx.couchdrop.io
```