SFTP Extension for VSCode

This guide explains how to install and configure the SFTP extension on Visual Studio Code to manage your files on a remote server (VPS, game server, web hosting, etc.).

Prerequisites

• Visual Studio Code installed
• Your server connection credentials (provided by YorkHost or your hosting provider)

Installing the Extension

1. Open Visual Studio Code
2. Click on the Extensions icon in the sidebar (or Ctrl+Shift+X)
3. Search for "SFTP" by Natizyskunk
4. Click Install

Recommendation

The SFTP extension by Natizyskunk is the most actively maintained and recommended.

Configuration

Step 1: Open a Local Folder

Create or open a local folder that will serve as a mirror for your remote files:

File → Open Folder → Select your working folder

Step 2: Create the Configuration File

1. Press Ctrl+Shift+P (or Cmd+Shift+P on Mac)
2. Type "SFTP: Config" and press Enter
3. A sftp.json file will be created in the .vscode folder

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Configurations by Server Type

Game Server (Pterodactyl/Game Panel)

For FiveM, Minecraft, GMod servers, etc. hosted on a panel:

{
    "name": "My Game Server",
    "host": "node1.yorkhost.fr",
    "protocol": "sftp",
    "port": 2022,
    "username": "your_username.xxx",
    "password": "your_password",
    "remotePath": "/",
    "uploadOnSave": true,
    "useTempFile": false,
    "openSsh": false
}

Where to find your credentials?

1. Log in to the Game Panel
2. Select your server
3. Go to Settings → SFTP Details
4. You'll find: host, port, username and password

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Linux VPS (SSH/SFTP)

For a Linux VPS with SSH access:

{
    "name": "My Linux VPS",
    "host": "your-vps-ip",
    "protocol": "sftp",
    "port": 22,
    "username": "root",
    "password": "your_password",
    "remotePath": "/home/",
    "uploadOnSave": true,
    "useTempFile": false,
    "openSsh": false
}

With SSH Key (recommended for security)

{
    "name": "My Linux VPS (SSH Key)",
    "host": "your-vps-ip",
    "protocol": "sftp",
    "port": 22,
    "username": "root",
    "privateKeyPath": "C:/Users/YourName/.ssh/id_rsa",
    "passphrase": "your_passphrase_if_any",
    "remotePath": "/home/",
    "uploadOnSave": true
}

SSH Key

To generate an SSH key:

ssh-keygen -t rsa -b 4096

Then copy the public key to your server:

ssh-copy-id root@your-vps-ip

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Classic Web Hosting (cPanel, Plesk)

{
    "name": "My Website",
    "host": "ftp.yourdomain.com",
    "protocol": "sftp",
    "port": 22,
    "username": "your_cpanel_username",
    "password": "your_password",
    "remotePath": "/public_html/",
    "uploadOnSave": true,
    "useTempFile": false,
    "openSsh": false
}

FTP vs SFTP

Always prefer SFTP (port 22) over FTP (port 21) for a secure and encrypted connection.

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Windows VPS (SFTP via OpenSSH)

If OpenSSH is installed on your Windows VPS:

{
    "name": "My Windows VPS",
    "host": "your-vps-ip",
    "protocol": "sftp",
    "port": 22,
    "username": "Administrator",
    "password": "your_password",
    "remotePath": "C:/Users/Administrator/",
    "uploadOnSave": true
}

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Important Configuration Options

Option	Description	Default Value
uploadOnSave	Auto upload on every save	false
downloadOnOpen	Download remote file on open	false
syncMode	Synchronization mode (update, full)	update
ignore	Files/folders to ignore	[]
watcher.files	Watch files	false
watcher.autoUpload	Auto upload watched files	true

Advanced Configuration Example

{
    "name": "Production Server",
    "host": "your-ip",
    "protocol": "sftp",
    "port": 22,
    "username": "root",
    "password": "your_password",
    "remotePath": "/var/www/mysite/",
    "uploadOnSave": true,
    "downloadOnOpen": false,
    "syncMode": "update",
    "ignore": [
        ".vscode",
        ".git",
        ".DS_Store",
        "node_modules",
        "*.log"
    ],
    "watcher": {
        "files": "**/*",
        "autoUpload": true,
        "autoDelete": false
    }
}

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Useful Commands

Press Ctrl+Shift+P then type:

Command	Description
SFTP: Config	Create/edit configuration
SFTP: Upload	Upload current file
SFTP: Download	Download current file
SFTP: Sync Local → Remote	Sync local to remote
SFTP: Sync Remote → Local	Sync remote to local
SFTP: List	Browse remote files
SFTP: Upload Folder	Upload entire folder

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Troubleshooting

"Connection refused" Error

• Check that the port is correct (22 for SSH/SFTP, 2022 for Game Panel)
• Verify your IP is not blocked by the firewall

"Authentication failed" Error

• Check your credentials (username/password)
• For Game Panel, use the full username.xxx format

"ECONNRESET" Error

• Network connection issue
• Try reconnecting

Files Not Syncing

• Check that uploadOnSave is set to true
• Verify the file is not in the ignore list

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Best Practices

1. Never store passwords in plain text - Use SSH keys when possible
2. Add .vscode/sftp.json to your .gitignore - To avoid sharing credentials
3. Use ignore to exclude - node_modules, .git, log files
4. Make backups - Before any major synchronization

Security

Never commit your sftp.json file containing passwords to Git! Add this line to your .gitignore:

.vscode/sftp.json