SSH config file in Linux CLI - Cheat Sheet & Quick Revision

Recall & Review

beginner

What is the purpose of the SSH config file?

The SSH config file simplifies connecting to remote servers by storing connection details like hostname, user, and port. It lets you use short names instead of full commands.

beginner

Which file path is the default SSH config file for a user?

The default SSH config file for a user is ~/.ssh/config. It stores personal SSH connection settings.

beginner

What does the Host keyword do in an SSH config file?

The Host keyword defines a shortcut name for a remote server. You use this name with the ssh command instead of typing the full hostname and options.

beginner

How do you specify a custom SSH port in the config file?

Use the Port option under a Host entry to set a custom port number for SSH connections to that host.

beginner

Give an example of a simple SSH config entry for a server named 'myserver'.

Example:<br>

Host myserver
  HostName 192.168.1.10
  User alice
  Port 2222

This lets you connect by typing ssh myserver.

Where is the SSH config file usually located for a user?

A ~/.ssh/config

B /etc/ssh/ssh_config

C /var/ssh/config

D /usr/local/ssh/config

The personal SSH config file is stored at ~/.ssh/config for each user.

What keyword starts a new host entry in the SSH config file?

A Server

B Host

C Machine

D Connect

The 'Host' keyword defines a shortcut name for a server.

How do you specify the username for SSH in the config file?

A Account

B Username

C Login

D User

The 'User' option sets the username for the SSH connection.

If your SSH server listens on port 2222, how do you set this in the config file?

A Port 22

B ListenPort 2222

C Port 2222

D ServerPort 2222

Use 'Port 2222' under the host entry to specify the custom port.

What command lets you connect using the shortcut name defined in the SSH config file?

A ssh shortcut

B ssh -c shortcut

C ssh connect shortcut

D ssh -host shortcut

Simply use 'ssh shortcut' to connect using the config file alias.

Explain how an SSH config file can make connecting to servers easier.

Think about how you avoid typing long commands every time.

Describe the structure of a basic SSH config file entry.

What keywords and values do you write for each server?