What is the Difference Between SSH and SCP?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚SSH (Secure Shell) and SCP (Secure Copy Protocol) are both network protocols used for secure data transmission, but they have different primary functions and usage contexts.
SSH is a protocol for establishing a secure connection between two remote computers, offering encryption, authentication, and compression mechanisms. Its primary use is to access shell accounts on remote servers securely, enabling users to log into another computer over a network, execute commands, and manage files. SSH also allows for tunneling, which enables users to forward or tunnel network traffic.
SCP, on the other hand, is a protocol for transferring files between computers in a network or over the internet using an SSH connection. It is exclusively used for secure file transfers, such as configuration files, data, backups, or any other type of files. SCP preserves file attributes, including permissions and timestamps, after the transfer.
In summary, the key differences between SSH and SCP are:
- Primary Function: SSH is used for secure remote command execution, system management, and tunneling, while SCP is exclusively for secure file transfer between hosts.
- Usage Context: SSH is often used when administrators or developers need to manage remote servers, execute commands, or configure services, whereas SCP is used when there's a need to transfer files.
Both SSH and SCP protocols are essential tools for system administrators, developers, and IT professionals.
Comparative Table: SSH vs SCP
The main difference between SSH and SCP lies in their purpose and functionality. SSH (Secure Shell) is a protocol that allows secure connections between computers, while SCP (Secure Copy) is a command that uses SSH to transfer files securely between two remote computers. Here is a comparison table highlighting the differences between SSH and SCP:
| Feature | SSH | SCP |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Secure connection between computers | File transfer between remote computers |
| Functionality | Terminal access, port forwarding, and other secure services | Secure file copy over SSH |
| Commands | ssh command for connecting to remote hosts | scp command for copying files between hosts |
| Authentication | Requires a password or passphrase | Requires a password or passphrase |
| Encryption | Encrypts data exchanged during the session | Encrypts both the file and passwords exchanged |
| Interactivity | Can be interactive (e.g., SFTP) or non-interactive (e.g., SCP) | Non-interactive |
In summary, SSH is the general protocol used for secure connections between computers, while SCP is a specific command that utilizes SSH for secure file transfers between remote hosts.