How to Use the Command 'aws s3 cp' (with Examples)

The ‘aws s3 cp’ command is part of the AWS Command Line Interface (CLI), which facilitates file and object management in Amazon Simple Storage Service (S3). The command allows users to copy files between a local file system and S3 buckets, or between two S3 buckets. It is a powerful tool that streamlines the process of file transfer and management in AWS S3, supporting both individual file transfers and recursive directory transfers.

Use Case 1: Copy a File from Local to a Specific Bucket

Code:

aws s3 cp path/to/file s3://bucket_name/path/to/remote_file

Motivation:

Transferring files from a local system to a cloud-based storage service, like Amazon S3, is a common requirement for backing up data, sharing files with other team members, or preparing assets for deployment in a cloud environment. This use case is essential for developers and IT administrators who need to ensure that important files are safely stored and accessible from anywhere.

Explanation:

• aws s3 cp: The command used to copy files using AWS CLI.
• path/to/file: The local path to the file you want to copy. This indicates where the file currently resides in your computer.
• s3://bucket_name/path/to/remote_file: The target S3 bucket and the path where you want the file to be stored. The s3:// prefix indicates an S3 location, followed by the bucket name and the desired file path in the S3 structure.

Example Output:

Uploading path/to/file to s3://bucket_name/path/to/remote_file Completed 1.6 KiB/1.6 KiB with 1 file(s) remaining

Use Case 2: Copy a Specific S3 Object into Another Bucket

Code:

aws s3 cp s3://bucket_name1/path/to/file s3://bucket_name2/path/to/target

Motivation:

Organizations often use multiple S3 buckets to organize data based on department, project, or permissions. This use case supports easy data migration between buckets, useful when you need to move or duplicate data for backup, analysis, or compliance purposes. It simplifies bucket-to-bucket transfer, making operations seamless across distinct storage environments.

Explanation:

• aws s3 cp: The command for copying, indicating action within S3.
• s3://bucket_name1/path/to/file: The source S3 bucket and the exact path of the file or object you need to transfer.
• s3://bucket_name2/path/to/target: The destination S3 bucket and path where the file should be copied. This specifies the target location within another bucket.

Example Output:

Copying s3://bucket_name1/path/to/file to s3://bucket_name2/path/to/target Completed 3.2 KiB/3.2 KiB with 1 file(s) remaining

Use Case 3: Copy a Specific S3 Object into Another Bucket Keeping the Original Name

Code:

aws s3 cp s3://bucket_name1/path/to/file s3://bucket_name2

Motivation:

This use case emphasizes the simplicity and utility of copying files while maintaining their original names, which is crucial for seamless integration into workflows and systems that rely on specific naming conventions without altering the data structure. It ensures consistency when duplicating data across different storage environments.

Explanation:

• aws s3 cp: The command instructing the AWS CLI to perform a copy operation.
• s3://bucket_name1/path/to/file: The source location in S3 where the file is currently stored.
• s3://bucket_name2: The destination bucket path, which keeps the file’s original name since no additional path is specified.

Example Output:

Copying s3://bucket_name1/path/to/file to s3://bucket_name2/path/to/file Completed 2.4 KiB/2.4 KiB with 1 file(s) remaining

Use Case 4: Copy S3 Objects to a Local Directory Recursively

Code:

aws s3 cp s3://bucket_name . --recursive

Motivation:

Downloading entire folders or sets of files from a bucket to a local system is a common task for analysis, reporting, or extending work locally where cloud usage is unnecessary or costly. This use case simplifies the retrieval of multiple files, reducing manual effort and potential errors associated with downloading files individually.

Explanation:

• aws s3 cp: The command utilized for copying files via the AWS CLI.
• s3://bucket_name: The source bucket path in S3 from which objects will be copied.
• .: Represents the current local directory as the destination.
• --recursive: A flag that enables the recursive copying of directories and all files contained within, meaning it will copy all sub-folders and files comprehensively.

Example Output:

Downloading s3://bucket_name/file1 to ./file1
Downloading s3://bucket_name/file2 to ./file2
Completed 15.3 KiB/15.3 KiB with 2 file(s) remaining

Use Case 5: Display Help

Code:

aws s3 cp help

Motivation:

Familiarity with command options and syntax is crucial when working across varied tasks in AWS. Displaying help provides a quick reference for syntax, options, and examples for usage, enabling users to efficiently build complex tasks with confidence.

Explanation:

• aws s3 cp: The base command for file copying within AWS CLI.
• help: The argument calling up the command’s documentation, which elaborates on usage, options, and examples.

Example Output:

Available commands:
copy: Copy files and objects
Options: –recursive, –include, –exclude, –acl, …

Conclusion:

The ‘aws s3 cp’ command is a critical component in managing data flow between local storage and Amazon S3. Each use case tailored here demonstrates its versatility, efficiency, and suitability for various file management needs, establishing AWS S3 as a robust platform for secure, scalable, and reliable data storage solutions.