aws s3 cp multiple files with aws cli tutorial

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Posted Oct 25, 2024

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The AWS CLI is a powerful tool for managing your AWS resources, and one of its most useful features is the ability to copy files to and from S3 using the `aws s3 cp` command.

To copy multiple files to S3, you can use the `--recursive` option with `aws s3 cp`, which allows you to copy an entire directory and all its contents.

The `aws s3 cp` command is particularly useful for large-scale file transfers, as it can handle multiple files at once and is much faster than copying files individually.

You can also use the `--exclude` and `--include` options to filter which files are copied, making it easier to transfer only the files you need.

What It Does

The aws s3 cp command is a powerful tool for uploading, downloading, and moving data efficiently in and across AWS S3 storage environments.

It allows you to copy files to and from Amazon S3 buckets, making it a convenient option for managing your data.

Credit: youtube.com, How to Upload & Download Single or Multiple files to S3 Bucket with AWS CLI | Step By Step Tutorial

The command can be used to upload files from your local system to AWS S3, or to download files from AWS S3 to your local system.

Note that the source and destination cannot both be local, meaning you can't use the aws cp command to copy files to and from your local filesystem.

This limitation is in place to ensure that the command is used correctly and efficiently, and to prevent potential errors or issues.

Consider reading: Aws S3 Sync Specific Files

Command Usage and Options

The aws s3 cp command is quite versatile and can handle various use cases.

You can unlock additional functionalities by incorporating flags with the base aws s3 cp command. The aws s3 cp command can handle various use cases, from copying multiple files to applying access control lists (ACLs) and much more.

Below are some of the important flags that often come in handy. We will look at these individually to understand when and where to use them.

If this caught your attention, see: Aws S3 Cp Recursive

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You can use flags to customize the behavior of the aws s3 cp command. By incorporating flags, you can cater to the advanced use cases.

The aws s3 cp command supports many different options that change copy behavior and customize the attributes of created files. Here’s a quick look at some of the most useful capabilities.

You can use the aws s3 cp recursive command flags to copy multiple files.

Worth a look: Aws Cli S3 Commands

Exclude/Include Specific

You can include specific files in the copy operation using the --include flag. This flag lets you select specific files to include, often used in conjunction with the --exclude flag.

The --exclude flag enables the exclusion of certain files from the copy operation. You can repeat the flags multiple times in a single sync command.

The order of flags is crucial in determining the final operation. Switching the positions of the --include and --exclude flags alters the outcome.

Later flags override previous ones, so be mindful of the order when using multiple --exclude and --include flags.

Dry Run and Preview

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You can use the --dryrun flag to preview the changes made by s3 cp operations. This is especially useful when dealing with complex operations or when you want to double-check the changes before applying them.

The --dryrun flag allows you to see the expected changes without actually making them. You can append it to any command to see the preview.

Previewing the changes can help you verify the expected results before making any changes. For example, if you're uploading a file to S3, you can use --dryrun to see the output of the command before it's executed.

Using --dryrun with s3 cp can save you time and effort by catching any potential issues before they become a problem. You can perform a dry run to see what changes would be made by a sync operation without actually applying them to the destination.

You can also use --dryrun with s3 sync to see the regular command output in your terminal, allowing you to check your options are correct before anything is transferred.

Permissions and Security

Credit: youtube.com, Amazon S3 Access Control - IAM Policies, Bucket Policies and ACLs

Setting the ACL on files being copied to an S3 object is a great way to grant public read access. Use the --acl flag to apply the public-read ACL on the file.

You can also set fine-grained grants on the files being copied using the --grants flag. This allows managing access control in S3.

Grants can be used to grant read access to all authenticated users. The --grants flag can also be used to apply multiple grants simultaneously.

To set the ACL for synced S3 files, you can pass the desired policy's name to the --acl flag. S3 supports several predefined ACLs for common use cases.

Public-read and public-read-write are two common policies that can be used to control access to uploaded files. You can also use the bucket-owner-full-control policy if needed.

Storage and Encryption

You can enable server-side encryption for synced S3 files by using the --sse flag, which sets the encryption type to aws:kms. This allows you to use your AWS-managed key from the AWS Key Management Service.

A specific KMS key can be selected with the --sse-kms-key-id flag, giving you more control over your encryption settings.

Server-side encryption provides an additional layer of security for your S3 files, protecting them from unauthorized access and data breaches.

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Specify Storage Class

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You can specify the storage class for files being copied or synced using the --storage-class flag. This flag allows you to set the storage class for newly copied or synced files.

The accepted values for the storage class are STANDARD, REDUCED_REDUNDANCY, STANDARD_IA, ONEZONE_IA, INTELLIGENT_TIERING, GLACIER, DEEP_ARCHIVE, and GLACIER_IR. STANDARD is the default storage class.

By using the --storage-class flag, you can store files with a specific storage class, such as REDUCED_REDUNDANCY, which is more optimal for frequently retrieved objects.

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Enabling Server-Side Encryption

Enabling Server-Side Encryption is a crucial step in protecting your data. You can enable server-side encryption for synced S3 files by using the --sse flag.

This flag enables server-side encryption on the S3 files that sync creates, but it doesn't specify the encryption method. To use your AWS-managed key from the AWS Key Management Service, you need to set aws:kms as the value.

A specific KMS key can be selected with the --sse-kms-key-id flag, giving you more control over your encryption settings.

Upload and Sync

Credit: youtube.com, Sync an Amazon S3 Bucket to a local folder // How to upload and download S3 buckets with the AWS CLI

Uploading and syncing files to your S3 bucket is a breeze with the AWS CLI. You can upload a single file or multiple files together using the `aws s3 cp` command. To upload multiple files, simply use the `--recursive` flag, and the command will copy all files and folders from the source to the destination.

The `aws s3 sync` command is more efficient when you want the destination to reflect the exact changes made in the source. It recursively copies new and updated files from the source directory to the destination, without copying existing unchanged files. This makes it perfect for keeping your S3 bucket up-to-date with the latest files from your source directory.

You can also use the `--delete` flag with `aws s3 sync` to delete any files from the destination that have been deleted from the source. This ensures that your S3 bucket is always in sync with your source directory.

Credit: youtube.com, Learn how to Upload Data Files to AWS S3 via CLI Tool | S3 Sync

If you want to upload only specific files or file types, you can use the `include` and `exclude` keywords with the `aws s3 cp` command. For example, you can upload only files with the `.sql` extension into a separate folder in your S3 bucket.

Here's a comparison of the `aws s3 cp` and `aws s3 sync` commands:

The `aws s3 sync` command is ideal for large directories that already exist in your S3 bucket, as it only copies the changed files, improving performance and reducing transfer costs.

Multipart Uploads

Multipart Uploads are a game-changer for uploading large files to AWS S3. By default, the multipart threshold for AWS CLI is 8MB, which means files larger than 8MB are automatically broken into chunks and uploaded in parallel.

This feature is particularly useful in case of network outages or errors, as it allows the file transfer to be resumed. It also boosts network performance, making file transfers faster and more efficient.

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Credit: youtube.com, AWS S3 | Multipart Upload & Copy | Java

To take advantage of multipart uploads, simply upload a file larger than 8MB in size, and AWS CLI will handle the rest automatically. No need to worry about manual chunking or re-uploading files!

The benefits of multipart uploads are numerous, but one of the most significant advantages is the ability to resume file transfers in case of errors. This ensures that your files are uploaded safely and efficiently, without any risk of loss or corruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the command to copy files in aws S3?

The command to copy files in AWS S3 is "aws s3 cp". This simple command efficiently uploads, downloads, and moves data between S3 buckets.

What is the fastest way to upload many files to S3?

For large file uploads, use multipart uploads or AWS CLI commands like aws s3 cp and aws s3 sync, which automatically handle multipart uploads. This approach significantly speeds up the upload process for multiple files.

Ismael Anderson

Lead Writer

Ismael Anderson is a seasoned writer with a passion for crafting informative and engaging content. With a focus on technical topics, he has established himself as a reliable source for readers seeking in-depth knowledge on complex subjects. His writing portfolio showcases a range of expertise, including articles on cloud computing and storage solutions, such as AWS S3.

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