What do scp and sftp refer to?

• A. Secure Copy Protocol and SSH File Transfer Protocol
• B. Secure Copy and SSH File Transfer Protocol
• C. Secure Copy and Secure File Transfer Protocol
• D. Secure Copy Protocol and Secure File Transfer Protocol

Answer: (C)

Scp and sftp are two secure ways to move files over a network using SSH. SCP stands for Secure Copy Protocol, and it provides a straightforward way to copy files between hosts over an SSH connection. It’s simple and fast for single transfers but isn’t designed for interactive file management or advanced operations.

Sftp stands for SSH File Transfer Protocol, a separate protocol that runs over SSH and offers a full file-transfer interface, either interactively or via batch commands. You can list directories, transfer multiple files, create and remove directories, and manage files with more control. While some sources loosely call it a “Secure File Transfer Protocol,” the standard and precise name is SSH File Transfer Protocol, which is why that form is the most accurate for sftp.