Understanding the Basics
SCP and SFTP are two protocols essentially used for file transfer over a network with an additional secured layer. Both protocols utilize SSH, namely the secure shell, to provide confidentiality, integrity, and authenticity of the data.
All About SCP
SCP (Secure Copy Protocol) is often described as a “focused file transfer tool,” and its core strengths lie in its simplicity and speed, prioritizing practical functionality over complex features. SCP is a utility that mainly focuses on copying files from one system to another and employing them in a command-line interface.
Its core functionality is straightforward: to move files of data from one location to another. It is easy to use and is usually quicker than SFTP for simple file transfers, as the structure of the protocol is smooth and streamlined.
However, the main disadvantage of using SCP is its limitations. When users handle complex file transfer scenarios, SCP lacks the ability to operate the files in a systematic format, which leads to complicated situations. In such cases, it is not very friendly and lacks dialog boxes. Thus, users looking for tasks like making directories or renaming and removing files from a remote computer may find SCP difficult and oriented toward file copying.
All About SFTP
SFTP (SSH File Transfer Protocol) is a versatile protocol used for secure file transfer, and it provides a greater number of functions compared to SCP. It offers a client interface, which helps carry out different operations on the files and directories on the remote computer.
This comprises copying files and directories, moving files and directories, renaming/changing permissions, and deleting files and directories. Besides the transfer of files, the SFTP protocol also allows one to browse through files as well as directories and even edit simple text files from a remote server session.
SFTP may be slightly slower than SCP when it comes to transferring files only, but due to its variety of features, the retarding speed is often overbalanced. It is more appropriate for many more types of file transfer operations and is more efficient in terms of interactivity.
The performance impact of encryption, which SFTP employs, is evidently reduced due to advancements in hardware and software.
Head To Head Comparison: SCP Vs. SFTP
| Feature | SCP | SFTP |
| Protocol | Secure Copy Protocol | SSH File Transfer Protocol |
| Functionality | File copying | File management (copy, delete, rename, etc.) |
| Speed | Generally faster | Slightly slower |
| Interactivity | Non-interactive | Interactive |
| Complexity | Simpler | More complex |
| Security | Secure via SSH encryption | Secure via SSH encryption, additional features |
| Common Use Cases | Quick file copying, scripting | File transfer, remote file management, scripting |
SCP or SFTP Files Transfer: When to Use
The decision whether to use SCP or SFTP is based on the need of the task in transferring files.
Use SCP when:
- There is a requirement to move files from one place to another within a short time.
- You only want to copy files and do not need other functions of file management.
Use SFTP when:
- You need to make many file operations on a remote server.
- You need to access open files located on other computers.
- You have to send a number of files or a large file within a single operation.
Therefore, despite SCP and SFTP sharing the feature of a secure method of transfer, SFTP can perform additional features, making it a more appropriate choice for many users. Nevertheless, specific features of the work and its objectives may lead to the fact that, for the copying of files only, SCP can be within reason.
Therefore, depending on the user’s requirements and the type of files to move, one mode of transfer is preferable to the other.
