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rcp Linux Command Guide

The rcp command in Linux allows users to securely transfer files between different systems. It is a reliable and efficient way to copy files over a network without compromising security. With rcp, users can easily move files between remote systems using a simple command-line interface. This guide explains how to use the rcp command effectively and securely to transfer files between Linux systems.

Terminal window
rcp [option] [source_file] [destination_file]
OptionDescription
-pPreserve file modification times
-rCopy directories recursively
-fForce copy even if destination exists
ParameterDescription
source_fileSpecifies the file to copy from
destination_fileSpecifies the file to copy to
Terminal window
rcp file.txt remoteuser@remotehost:/path/to/destination

Copy the file “file.txt” from the local system to a remote host, specifying the remote username and destination path.

Terminal window
rcp file1.txt file2.txt remoteuser@remotehost:/path/to/destination

Copy multiple files (“file1.txt” and “file2.txt”) from the local system to a remote host, specifying the remote username and destination path.

Terminal window
rcp -r directory/ remoteuser@remotehost:/path/to/destination

Recursively copy the directory “directory” from the local system to a remote host, specifying the remote username and destination path.

Terminal window
rcp remoteuser@remotehost:/path/to/file.txt .

Copy the file “file.txt” from a remote host to the local system in the current directory.

Terminal window
rcp -P 1234 file.txt remoteuser@remotehost:/path/to/destination

Copy the file “file.txt” to a remote host over a specific port (1234), specifying the remote username and destination path.

Terminal window
rcp -p file.txt remoteuser@remotehost:/path/to/destination

Copy the file “file.txt” to a remote host while preserving its modification time and in interactive mode.

Terminal window
rcp -v file.txt remoteuser@remotehost:/path/to/destination

Copy the file “file.txt” to a remote host and display verbose information during the transfer process.

To use the rcp command in Linux, execute the following command:

Terminal window
rcp --option <value>

What is the syntax for transferring files with rcp in Linux?

Section titled “What is the syntax for transferring files with rcp in Linux?”

The syntax for transferring files with rcp in Linux is as follows:

Terminal window
rcp <source_file> <destination_file>

How can I copy files between different hosts using rcp in Linux?

Section titled “How can I copy files between different hosts using rcp in Linux?”

To copy files between different hosts using rcp in Linux, use the following command format:

Terminal window
rcp username1@hostname1:/path/to/source username2@hostname2:/path/to/destination

Can I recursively copy directories with rcp in Linux?

Section titled “Can I recursively copy directories with rcp in Linux?”

Yes, you can recursively copy directories with rcp in Linux by using the -r option. Here’s an example:

Terminal window
rcp -r /path/to/source/directory username@hostname:/path/to/destination/directory

How can I use rcp to preserve file permissions during file transfer in Linux?

Section titled “How can I use rcp to preserve file permissions during file transfer in Linux?”

To preserve file permissions during file transfer with rcp in Linux, you can use the -p option. Here’s how to do it:

Terminal window
rcp -p /path/to/source/file username@hostname:/path/to/destination

Is there a way to display the progress of file transfer with rcp in Linux?

Section titled “Is there a way to display the progress of file transfer with rcp in Linux?”

Yes, you can display the progress of file transfer with rcp in Linux by using the -v (verbose) option. Here’s an example command:

Terminal window
rcp -v /path/to/source/file username@hostname:/path/to/destination
  • Remote file copying
  • Transferring files between UNIX/Linux systems
  • Using a secure shell (ssh) connection for file transfers