[SOLVED] How do I access my web server from the command line?

MikeHopley · Jan 18th, 2008, 12:19

I'm trying to follow Google's sitemap generation tutorial. I'm stuck on this part:

Quote:

In order to run the Sitemap Generator, you’ll need to connect to your web server. The method you use to connect depends on your environment. For instance, you can generally access a UNIX-based server using SSH. For more information on connecting to your web server and running scripts, talk to your web host.

This is pretty much gibberish to me, and my web host doesn't have a good record of communication.

Could anyone give me a simple-minded explanation of the process? What tools do I need to connect to a web server?

My host is running Apache, and I'm on a Windows PC.

welshstew · Jan 18th, 2008, 12:51

Mike here is a link to MS command-line commands which you may find useful.

to connect using cmd go to start > run and type: cmd <enter>

type: ftp www.myweb.com <enter>

you will then be asked for a user. Once typed hit <enter> and then do the same for your password.

you should then see a line ftp>

set your transfer type
type: ascii <enter> (for html css files)
type: bin <enter> (for images and exe)

tell it where the file lives on your PC, type:lcd (file path) <enter>

then upload the files, type: ftp> put sitemap_gen.py <enter>, and then type: ftp> put config.xml <enter>, and then the same for any other files you wish to upload.

then run the file, type: python sitemap_gen.py --config=(config.xml) <enter>

it should then generate the file for you which you can then stick into google web master tools.

The other way would be to ftp the files using your normal FTP client and then connect and run it, which would be a lot easier.

MikeHopley · Jan 18th, 2008, 14:11

Quote:

Originally Posted by welshstew

The other way would be to ftp the files using your normal FTP client and then connect and run it, which would be a lot easier.

That's what I'm going to try. Thanks Stew!

MikeHopley · Jan 18th, 2008, 14:25

Well, I managed to connect to my web server -- thanks to you.

Unfortunately the python command is returning "invalid command". I think that might mean my web server does not have python installed.

My host website says that they support SSI / Perl / CGI-BIN . Does support for CGI-BIN mean I should be able to run Python scripts?

welshstew · Jan 18th, 2008, 15:29

I have no idea I'm afraid, I would PM your host.

A trick I often use, is go to the site as a potential new customer and ask that way. They are more often than not quicker to answer queries when a potential sale is on the line...

MikeHopley · Jan 18th, 2008, 15:35

Quote:

A trick I often use, is go to the site as a potential new customer and ask that way. They are more often than not quicker to answer queries when a potential sale is on the line...

That's a good idea.

Right, I'm marking this as solved because you've given me all the information I need to get it working.