ranchssh

Ranchssh is a command-line utility designed to simplify the management of SSH connections. It allows users to define and store SSH connection details in a configuration file, enabling quick and easy access to remote servers. Instead of remembering complex IP addresses, usernames, and port numbers, users can assign simple aliases to their connections. Ranchssh then uses these aliases to establish SSH sessions.

The core functionality of Ranchssh revolves around its configuration file, typically named ranchssh.yaml. This file uses a YAML format to store connection parameters such as hostname, username, port, and any specific SSH options. Users can group related servers or define different connection profiles for the same server. For instance, one profile might use a specific key file, while another uses a different port.

To connect to a server, a user simply invokes ranchssh with the alias defined in the configuration file. The utility reads the corresponding entry, retrieves the necessary details, and initiates an SSH connection using the system's default SSH client or an explicitly configured one. This abstraction layer reduces the cognitive load of managing multiple remote systems and speeds up the workflow for developers, system administrators, and anyone frequently working with SSH. It aims to be a lightweight alternative to more complex SSH management tools.