How to use SCP command to transfer files

SCP (secure copy) is a command-line utility that allows you to securely copy files and directories between two locations.

SCP command syntax

scp [-346BCpqrTv] [-c cipher] [-F ssh_config] [-i identity_file] [-J destination] [-l limit] [-o ssh_option] [-P port] [-S program] source ... target

Every option is explained in manual that you can reach using command:

man scp

Copy Files and Directories between two systems with SCP

scp file.txt username@ip_address:/remote/directory

If SSH on the remote host is listening on a port other than default 22 then you can specify port using the -P parameter:

scp -P 2232 file.txt username@ip_address:/remote/directory

To copy directory you need to use -r parameter, that means recursive:

scp -r /local/directory username@ip_address:/remote/directory

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