When you try to ssh / sftp to a remote server you'll be asked for a password...
This can make scripting sftp commands difficult. What would be nice, is the ability to have the connection secured without the need for manually typing a password. Here's how...
Firstly, take into count the way I'll use the terms "server" and client in this short guide; the "server" is the system we will always connect from (eg. your workstation) while the "client" will be the system you connect to (eg. the web server.)
Generate the ssh keypair on the server (we are using dsa in this example, but it could be rsa)
If you need (or want) to change your passphrase, which is probably a good thing to do occasionally, here's how:
To allow access to a client system for a given identity, place the public key $HOME/.ssh/id_dsa.pub in the file $HOME/.ssh/authorized_keys2 on that system. All keys listed in that file are allowed access.
Now, when you issue any ssh/sftp command you wont be prompted for a password yet you'll be reaping the full benefits of a secure connection.
