lftp Command in Linux

Darshita Daga -

Introduction

Before we discuss lftp command in Linux, let's first understand-What is lftp Command ?

The "lftp" command creates connections using several protocols between client-host machines. UDP, HTTP, FTP, and other protocols are included in these protocols. It controls the machine's file systems and transfers files between systems.

In this tutorial, you will understand lftp command in Linux. We will also address a few FAQs on lftp Command in Linux.

How to install the lftp Command in Linux?

The following procedures should be followed in order to install the "lftp" commands on Linux distributions based on Ubuntu:

Step 1: Update the Packages

Before adding new packages to the system, it is advised that all existing packages be updated using the command:

sudo apt update                                                  #For Debian/Ubuntu/Linux Mint
sudo yum check-update                                            #For CentOS/RHEL-Based
sudo dnf check-update                                            #For Fedora
sudo pacman -Syu 
#For Arch-Based

The package indexes have thus been updated.

Step 2: Install the lftp Package

Run the script below to install the "lftp" package in various Linux distributions:

sudo apt install lftp                            #For Ubuntu, Debian, and LinuxMint
sudo yum install lftp                            #For RHEL/CentOS-Based
sudo dnf install lftp                            #For Fedora
sudo pacman -S lftp                              #For Arch-Based

Display the installed version of the "lftp" command to verify that the aforementioned command was successfully executed:

lftp --version

The output indicates that the machine has installed lftp version "4.9.2".

How Does lftp Command Work in Linux?

There are many applications for the "lftp" command, one of which is for users to establish a connection to a remote server. Here are some further examples:

Example 1: Using the Shell to access the Application

We only need to supply the dummy URL “ftp://ftp.remotehost.com” of that device in order to use the lftp command to connect to the host server:

lftp ftp://ftp.remotehost.com

The dummy URL and the lftp command are utilized in the aforementioned command. When the connection is made successfully, the hostname can be displayed on the command line terminal.

Example 2: Connect to the Dummy Machine

For this technique, use the command: to first access the lftp command shell.

lftp

As we did in the earlier method, connect to the dummy machine once more using the dummy URL “ftp://ftp.remotehost.com”:

> open ftp://ftp.remotehost.com

Use this command to exit the lftp shell:

> exit

The lftp shell has thus been terminated.

Example 3: Connect to the remote machine and log in

The lftp command can be used in some situations to access the local machine. As seen in the example below, log in to the remote computer with the username "vegastack" and hostname "ubuntu":

lftp sftp://vegastack@ubuntu

The output indicates that the remote machine has been successfully accessed.

We used the lftp command's help feature to explore its usage:

lftp
> help

When using the lftp command, all available options are shown.

How to Uninstall lftp Command in Linux?

Use the script below to uninstall the lftp command in several Linux distributions:

sudo apt purge lftp -y               #Debian, Ubuntu and LinuxMint
sudo yum remove lftp                 #For CentOS/RHEL
sudo dnf remove lftp                 #Fedora
sudo pacman -R lftp                  #Arch Linux

The output demonstrates that the lftp package and all of its dependencies have been deleted.

FAQs on lftp command in Linux

How does the lftp command work in Linux?

lftp works by establishing a connection with a remote server using the specified protocol. Users can then perform multiple file transfer operations, navigate directories, set up mirroring, and automate tasks using command-line instructions or interactive shell mode.

What are some common use cases for the lftp command?

lftp is often used for transferring files to and from remote servers, mirroring directories or websites, and automatizing recurring file synchronization tasks. It is particularly useful for managing large file transfers or multiprotocol environments.

How do I install lftp on my Linux system?

lftp is usually available in the package repositories of Linux distributions. You can install it using the package manager specific to your distribution. For example, on Ubuntu, you can use apt with the command sudo apt install lftp.

What are some essential features of lftp?

lftp provides features such as parallel and segmented downloads, resuming interrupted transfers, mirroring of remote directories, bandwidth control, password encryption, transfer queuing, and scripting capabilities, making it highly efficient and versatile.

Can I use lftp for secure file transfers?

Yes, lftp supports secure file transfers using protocols like FTPS and SFTP, ensuring data encryption during transmission. It also provides options for SSL/TLS certificate verification.

Can I automate file transfer tasks with lftp using scripts?

Yes, lftp supports automation through scripts. You can write scripts using lftp commands and execute them to perform specific file transfer tasks, or schedule them using system utilities like cron.

How can I parallelize file transfers using lftp?

lftp allows parallel downloads by splitting files into segments and downloading them simultaneously, utilizing multiple connections. This feature can significantly improve transfer speed, especially for large files or high-latency connections.

Conclusion

By establishing a connection through protocols, the "lftp" command is used to transfer files or manage files on a remote machine. Installing the "lftp" command into the operating system using the proper distribution command is required before using this. In this tutorial, you have learned how to install and use the "lftp" command.

If you have any queries, please leave a comment below, and we’ll be happy to respond to them.