In the workshop there was some discussion on how best to connect to the AWS server on Mac. The wiki suggests 'sshfs' but I hold the following (highly subjective and inexperienced) opinions on the matter.
Summary Of Below:
Use the command 'scp'. It's already built in, it's simple to use, and we're only dealing with few files.
Or
Find some kind of remote editing plugin for your chosen text editor. No need to leave your IDE!
More detail:
'scp' secure copy, for file transfer. This is the simplest method of file transfer; quick to type (if SSH is already configured); it's builtin so there's nothing to install; exercises have few files anyway; it's possible to glob many files with `scp * ...`
Cons: transfers single files at a time unless you zip them or glob; not everyone likes command line
'rsync' a better scp. It synchronises multiple folders and files. And it's able to detect just the changes and transfer them, not the entire files
Cons: it'sanother command to learn; command line
A plugin for your text editor (IDE). This is probably best. The point of accessing your server is usually to edit so might as well; no need to leave your development environment; enhance an existing tool you already installed and know; plugins are simpler that programs, right?; an equivalent to 'nppftp' plugin for Notepad++ is the Remote Development bundle for Visual Studio Code
Cons: something else to install and learn, but worth it; since there are loads of IDEs a class helper cant really learn your specific one and plugin, you may need to read both docs and figure it out yourself; I discovered I needed to add my key with 'ssh-add' for it to work
Cyberduck a remote file "browser". A direct equivalent to puTTY!; many features (probably) since it’s a stand alone program
Cons: a stand alone program to install and learn and use, unlike Finder, Terminal or your IDE; a bulky memory hog?
Mountainduck a remote disk mounter. Enables shared folders in Finder like Windows. For the proper GUI file manager experience
Cons: still not in your IDE. Install and learn
'sshfs' a command line package for mounting servers as a disk in Finder, like a command line equivalent to Putty. Seems to more permanently mount the disk into your system
Cons: it seems to not be built in (anymore?) so if you’re going to install and learn something you might as well look at all options; not simple, I cant work it
, probably need Homebrew the package manager which means installing something to install something, but Homebrew is great anyway
'ssh -i...' We already saw this in the wiki. It allows you to issue commands to your server, meaning you edit the files directly on the server with the command line editor (not for transferring files). You already possess the private key, so no setup other than follow what the output tells you to do; the command is built in; no install; immediate results
Cons: needed every time you connect with this method; command line
'ssh-add" adds your key to a key manager. It shortens the ssh command for repeat use; it’s needed for some editor plugins to work, see below
Cons: another step; command line
Mac owners, what do you think?
, probably need Homebrew the package manager which means installing something to install something, but Homebrew is great anyway