What is SSH?
SSH is a secure remote-control tunnel from your computer into a server.
Mental model
Plain English
You type `ssh user@server-ip`. SSH opens an encrypted tunnel. You get a terminal on the server — every command you type runs there. Used for editing config, reading logs, restarting services.
SSH is a private elevator with a keycard reader. Only people with the right key get in. Inside the elevator, no one can listen.
ssh into the worker box to tail logs when a webhook is failing.
ssh into the search server to restart the meilisearch process.
Go deeper
Encrypted remote terminal into a server.
Common mistakes
- Leaving password auth enabled on a public server.
- Running 'rm -rf' as root without thinking.
- Editing config without making a backup first.
AI-agent trap
Summary
Authentication is either password (weaker) or key pair (strong). Your public key sits on the server; your private key stays on your laptop. The handshake proves identity without sending the secret.