I want copy files from one linux to other linux machine (local) using sftp daily. So i have written a shell script to perform this but it prompts password when executed though i have hardcoded the pwd in the script. I found that by exchanging keys i perform this but please let me know is there any other solution

Find the script below

#!/bin/sh
# sample automatic ftp script to dump a file
USER=<user_name>
PASSWORD=<pwd>
HOST=<server_name>
TGT_DIR=$BASE_DIR/FromCheetah_automation
COA_DIR=$BASE_DIR/FromCheetah_bkp/archive
LDR_DIR=$BASE_DIR/FromCheetah_bkp/archive/Loader_Files
UNSUB_DIR=$BASE_DIR/FromCheetah_bkp/archive/Unsubs_Files
dt=`date +%Y%m%d`
fldt=`date --date "$dt 1 days ago" +%Y%m%d`
lgdt=`date +%Y%m`
echo "today is $dt"
echo "File dat is $fldt"
sftp $USER@$HOST << EOF
$PASSOWRD
cd working_dir
mget iid_keys_$fldt*.dat.txt $TGT_DIR >> $LOG_DIR/emailftp_log_$lgdt.log
mget data_$fldt*.dat.txt $TGT_DIR >> $LOG_DIR/emailftp_log_$lgdt.log
quit
EOF

Hi -

Use 'expect' in shell script to handle password and any other interactive stuffs.

'Expect' will simplify the task for you.

1 members found this post helpful.

You can also use lftp, it will allow you access to ftp, ftps, sftp and it will do the job for you. I find it very usefull.

Other methods to perform this task involve scp and rsync. Of all the methods discussed here so far, rsync will get you the best performance. Both scp and rsync are easier to use in a cron job than ftp/sftp, too. The commands will fit on a single line.

All three can be used with key exchange authorization, eliminating the need for a password.

I'd like to emphasize this approach for security reasons

also sftp is for human prompts (e.g.- please enter user name, please enter password, please enter local file, please enter remote file, ...)
scp is for automated machines(e.g.- scp user1@server1:/path/to/source user2@server2:/path/to/dest)

ssh pke:
http://linuxproblem.org/art_9.html