ssh-keygen: Generate SSH Keys in Linux
The ssh-keygen command in Linux is used to create and manage SSH key pairs. Its function is as follows:
- Generate key pair: ssh-keygen can create two files, one public and one private key. The private key is saved by default in the .ssh directory in the user’s home directory, and the public key can be copied and used on other servers or remote hosts.
- Key authentication: The generated SSH key pair can be used for authentication, allowing you to login to remote servers using the private key without entering a password. This enhances security and simplifies the management of SSH connections.
- Key Management: The ssh-keygen command can also be used to manage SSH key pairs, including listing, deleting, and modifying key pairs, as well as changing the key’s password.
In short, the ssh-keygen command is a tool used for generating, managing, and authenticating SSH key pairs, which is very useful for secure SSH connections and authentication.