(How to Send Text Files from a Server in Linux) The true reason for text files sent from a Linux server can often be necessary for tasks such as data transfer, file backs, and report sharing. Fortunately, Linux provides many utilities to make this as easy as you want, whether storing files on your local machine or transferring files between local and remote servers or users. This article will provide step-by-step procedures to send text files from a server in Linux using different methods that are popular and secure.
1. Using use SCP (Secure and Copies Protocol)
Scp is one of the most used command-line utilities for securely transferring files from a server over SSH. It is fast and safe to use, and it’s perfect for transpiring text files from Linux servers.
Syntax
Example
To send a file named file.txt
from a local server to a remote server:
- The path of the file in the local server is <division>/path/to/file.txt
- user is the username on the remote server account often the same as the account username.
- remote_server is the IP address or the domain of the remote server.
- The last location is a path to the desired directory on the remote server, for example, < |ai|/path/to/destination/
- If key-based authentication is not configured, you will be asked for the password.
Benefits of SCP
Secure (uses SSH encryption).
Moves files from a particular server to another server of the client’s securely.
Straightforward.
2. Thus, by running rsync, Files can be synchronized as well as transferred.
The program that is perfect for synchronizing files between servers is called rsync. More flexible than SCP, it can perform backups and synchronizations in a step-by-step manner.
Syntax
Example
To transfer file.txt
to a remote server:
It stands for c <) [an alias]-a is for archive mode ( retains permissions, time stamps).
-v is for verbose output.
–z works by reducing the size of data to be transferred to enhance punctual transfer.
Benefits of rsync
Overall rather effective, as it works only with deltas of files.
It provides more control over the transfer process than the previous method. Supports resume functionality like idle, added income for the member, and a time-based system for free hosting.
3. Using the FTP (File Transfer Protocol)
ftp is a standard file transfer protocol but it does not have a security aspect provided by scp or rsync. Though insecure as a protocol, FTP remains popular, as the compilation below shows.
Basic Steps to Send Files via ftp
Connect to the server using the ftp
command:
Log in with the username and password.
Change the destination directory with the cd
command:
Upload the file using the put
command:
Exit the session with the bye
command.
Benefits of ftp
Simple and widely supported.
It may be scripted with specific .netrc files or with full scripting available.
Note: Otherwise, use sftp is recommended, which is the secure version of FTP since it runs through SSH, and data is encrypted.
4. When you want to send files or emails using the mail command
You can also email text files from a Linux server using mail or sendmail commands for small files such as logs.
Example
To send file.txt
to an email address:
-s
specifies the email subject.
recipient@example.com
is the email address of the recipient.
< /path/to/file.txt
attaches the text file content to the email body.
Alternatively, to send as an attachment:
Benefits of Sending via Email
It is useful for sending logs and reports, which can be very convenient given the number of situations in which people use terminals.
No other file transfer software is required on the receiver’s side.
5. Using nc
(Netcat) for Quick and Direct Transfers
nc is a simple networking utility that can be used to send files over the network. It is good for passing files on traditional networks but does not support encryption.
Sender Side
On the sender server, run:
[port]
is the port number that will listen for incoming connections.
Receiver Side
On the receiver server, run:
sender_server
is the IP or hostname of the sender server.
[port]
must match the port number used by the sender.
Benefits of nc
Lightweight and fast.
Ideal for local network transfers.
Note:
nc
does not encrypt data, so use it only in trusted network environments.
6. Using curl or wget for HTTP-Based Transfers
If the server already has a web server running, one could copy files with HTTP using curl or wget.
Upload with curl
To upload a file to a web server:
Download with wget
To download a file from a web server:
Benefits of HTTP-Based Transfers
Ideal for sharing publicly accessible files.
Suitable for scripted, automated downloads.
7. Using scp
with SSH Key Authentication for Automated Transfers
Passwordless and based on SSH keys, the use of SCP with help of proper key management configured, is to perform the file transfers securely and is useful in automatic scripts.
Steps
Generate SSH Key Pair (if not already created):
Copy the Public Key to the Remote Server:
Use scp
for Automated Transfers:
This setup eliminates the need for password input each time.
Benefits of SSH Key Authentication
Secure, passwordless transfer.
Enables automation in scripts without compromising security.
Summary
Text file transfer from a Linux server is possible in several ways. Here’s a quick recap of the tools and their best-use cases:
- SCP: Safe, uncomplicated, and immediate data transmission.
- rsync: Incremental backup and synchronization processes are efficiently carried out by this option.
- ftp/sftp: Standard file transfer protocol, however, in some cases, SFTP is used as a more secure method.
- mail: Still good for emailing tinier textual content files or logs.
- nc: It is ideal for rapid transfer over a known secure network.
- curl/wget: SUITABLE FOR HTTP transfer, this is particularly common for transfer in public or Web-accessible areas.
- scp with SSH keys: Ideally suited for Schedule Billing of automated and secure file transfer solutions.
- The choice of the method is based on the file size, the amount of security required, and the underlying network. For secure transfers, there are two available options: SCP and Rsync using SSH; for the transfers that are easier and faster, yet safe, one may turn to tools like ‘Netcat’ or ‘curl’.