How do I upload a file to a remote server using JSch SFTP?

Uploading a file to a remote server using JSch’s SFTP functionality can be achieved by leveraging the JSch library, which is a Java implementation of the SSH2 protocol. Here’s an example of how you can upload a file to a remote server with JSch:

Steps to Follow:

  1. Create a JSch instance to manage the SSH communication.
  2. Establish an SFTP session by connecting to the server with the correct credentials (host, port, username, password, etc.).
  3. Open the SFTP channel.
  4. Transfer the file using the put method within the SFTP channel.

Example Code

Below is a full example of uploading a file to a remote server:

package org.kodejava.jsch;

import com.jcraft.jsch.ChannelSftp;
import com.jcraft.jsch.JSch;
import com.jcraft.jsch.Session;

import java.io.File;

public class SFTPFileUpload {

   public static void main(String[] args) {
      String remoteHost = "sftp.example.com";
      int port = 22; // Default port for SSH
      String username = "username";
      String password = "password";
      String localFilePath = "C:/path/to/local/file.txt"; // File to upload
      String remoteDir = "/remote/directory/"; // Remote directory (including trailing '/')

      Session session = null;
      ChannelSftp channelSftp = null;

      try {
         // Initialize JSch
         JSch jsch = new JSch();

         // Create an SSH session
         session = jsch.getSession(username, remoteHost, port);
         session.setPassword(password);

         // Configure session - optionally disable strict host key checking
         session.setConfig("StrictHostKeyChecking", "no");

         // Connect to the remote server
         System.out.println("Connecting to the SFTP server...");
         session.connect();
         System.out.println("Connected to the SFTP server.");

         // Open an SFTP channel
         channelSftp = (ChannelSftp) session.openChannel("sftp");
         channelSftp.connect();
         System.out.println("SFTP channel opened.");

         // Upload the file
         File localFile = new File(localFilePath);
         if (localFile.exists() && localFile.isFile()) {
            channelSftp.put(localFilePath, remoteDir + localFile.getName());
            System.out.println("File uploaded successfully.");
         } else {
            System.err.println("Local file not found or is not a file.");
         }

      } catch (Exception e) {
         e.printStackTrace();
      } finally {
         // Cleanup and disconnect the session and channel
         if (channelSftp != null && channelSftp.isConnected()) {
            channelSftp.disconnect();
            System.out.println("SFTP channel disconnected.");
         }
         if (session != null && session.isConnected()) {
            session.disconnect();
            System.out.println("Session disconnected.");
         }
      }
   }
}

Explanation of the Code

  1. Session Creation:
    • Use JSch to create a session with username, remoteHost, and port.
    • Set the user’s password and configure optional settings like disabling host key verification.
  2. Establish Connection:
    • session.connect() establishes the connection with the server over SSH.
  3. Open SFTP Channel:
    • By opening an SFTP channel (session.openChannel("sftp")), you can perform file-related operations.
  4. File Upload:
    • The put method within ChannelSftp uploads the file.
    • The first parameter is the file path of the local file.
    • The second parameter defines the destination path (including filename).
  5. Resource Cleanup:
    • You must disconnect the channel and session once operations are completed to release resources.

Key Points

  • Make sure to provide proper permissions to the remote folder for the user you’re authenticating as.
  • Handle exceptions and inputs securely, especially when dealing with credentials and file access.
  • Use strict host key checking in production to avoid man-in-the-middle attacks (consider using a known_hosts file and not disabling StrictHostKeyChecking).

This example should help you upload files effortlessly using JSch and SFTP.


Maven Dependencies

<dependency>
    <groupId>com.jcraft</groupId>
    <artifactId>jsch</artifactId>
    <version>0.1.55</version>
</dependency>

Maven Central

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