How to find the SSH current local machine directory?

Question

I am attempting to upload a file from my local machine to my server using:

scp Users\MyName\Desktop\myzipfile.zip user@host:/path/to/whereyouwant/thefile

I have a Zip file on my desktop that I am trying to upload. My problem is I do not know what the local machine directory is when using SSH.

How can I know what it is? Meaning, how do I correctly write the path to my Zip file sitting on the desktop of my local machine?

I've tried every path I can think of.

• Alex: What OS are you using?

Answer 1

There is probably some environment variable pointing to your home:

scp $HOME\Desktop\myzipfile.zip user@host:/path/to/whereyouwant/thefile

But then you will have probably problem with : in the path. You can workaround it using:

cat $HOME\Desktop\myzipfile.zip | ssh user@host cat /path/to/whereyouwant/thefile

which is basically the equivalent using pure ssh. But make sure you have set-up passwordless authentication or control master, otherwise it will fail.

• Alex: change the \ (backslash) with / (slash) in $HOME\Desktop\myzipfile.zip for *nix OS.
• Jakuje: Yes, but from the backslashes it looks like windows question.
• cpcdev: Yes sorry I am using Windows
• Alex: Have you tried scp \Users\MyName\Desktop\myzipfile.zip\ user@host:/path/to/whereyouwant/thefile ?

Answer 2

Instead of specifying "Users", which indicates the sub-directory named "Users" underneath whatever the local directory is, specify "\Users", which indicates a directory named "Users" off of the root directory of the current drive.

Or maybe even try "C:\Users" at the start.

Or simply use CD to the desired directory (e.g. "CD \Users\MyName\Desktop") and then use SCP on the "myzipfile.zip" file without specifying a path.

Also, note that on the remote end, after the colon, you don't need to start with a slash. You could start with a period, and then a slash. By doing so, you will write to the "current directory" after logging in, which will usually be whatever directory is called the "home directory" for whatever user account you use.