The sftp command is a command-line interface

Command-line interface

A command-line interface is a mechanism for interacting with a computer operating system or software by typing commands to perform specific tasks...

 client program

Computer program

A computer program is a sequence of instructions written to perform a specified task with a computer. A computer requires programs to function, typically executing the program's instructions in a central processor. The program has an executable form that the computer can use directly to execute...

 implementing the client-side of the SSH File Transfer Protocol

SSH file transfer protocol

In computing, the SSH File Transfer Protocol is a network protocol that provides file access, file transfer, and file management functionality over any reliable data stream...

 as implemented by the sftp-server command by the OpenSSH

OpenSSH

OpenSSH is a set of computer programs providing encrypted communication sessions over a computer network using the SSH protocol...

 project, which runs inside the encrypted Secure Shell

Secure Shell

Secure Shell is a network protocol for secure data communication, remote shell services or command execution and other secure network services between two networked computers that it connects via a secure channel over an insecure network: a server and a client...

 connection.

It provides an interactive interface similar to that of traditional FTP

File Transfer Protocol

File Transfer Protocol is a standard network protocol used to transfer files from one host to another host over a TCP-based network, such as the Internet. FTP is built on a client-server architecture and utilizes separate control and data connections between the client and server...

 clients.

sftp should not be confused with running an FTP client over an SSH connection.

One implementation of sftp is part of the OpenSSH project.

See also

• Other SFTP clients described in the SFTP protocol article