# SSH File System (SSHFS)
Is a network file system protocol that allows you to securely access and mount remote filesystems over an SSH (Secure Shell) connection. SSHFS enables you to work with files and directories on a remote server as if they were located on your local machine. It’s a convenient way to transfer files, work with remote resources, and manage remote servers.
Install
You need to install SSHFS on your local machine. Linux, you can install it using your package manager
Arch Linux
sudo pacman -S sshfs
Debian
sudo apt install sshfs
Void Linux
sudo xbps-install -S fuse-sshfs
Syntax
Specify the remote server’s hostname or IP address, your SSH username, and the path to the remote directory
sshfs [user@]host:[directory] [local_mount_point]
For example
sshfs user@192.168.1.100:/var/www ~/remote-mount
You will be prompted to enter your SSH password or use SSH keys for authentication.
Here are a few important things to note about SSHFS
- It provides a secure way to access remote files over SSH, ensuring data encryption during transmission.
- It requires SSH access to the remote server, so you’ll need valid SSH credentials.
- SSHFS is available on Linux and macOS, but Windows users may need to use third-party tools like Win-SSHFS.
- It’s a convenient way to work with remote servers, especially for tasks like editing remote configuration files or transferring files between local and remote machines.