Create/add/remember a new Github SSH key on client & server

ssh-keychain.md

Create/add/remember a new Github SSH key on client & server

1. Create a new .ssh directory (if it doesn't exist) in your home directory, cd in and generate new ssh key:

$ ssh-keygen -t rsa -C "email@address.com"

2. Print and copy the contents of the public key you just made:

$ cat ~/.ssh/NEW_KEY_NAME.pub | pbcopy

3. Head over to Github > Settings > SSH and GPG Keys > New SSH Key and paste in what you just copied in the Key section. Title should be the the NEW_KEY_NAME exactly as you generated it.

4. Add this key to your identities list (-K adds to keychain):

$ ssh-add --apple-use-keychain ~/.ssh/NEW_KEY_NAME

5. Create new config file (if it doesn't already exist) and edit using vi/nano/etc.:

$ vi ~/.ssh/config

6. Now add an entry for your new key:

#github
  Host github-USERNAME
  HostName github.com
  User git
  IdentityFile ~/.ssh/NEW_KEY_NAME
  UseKeychain yes
  AddKeysToAgent yes

7. While you're in there, you can also "forward" this key to your server upon connecting, which lets you push/pull/clone etc. In that case, tack this on to config as well:

#server
  Host DOMAIN.COM
  ForwardAgent yes

To test that your key is working on your own machine (or your server should you decide to forward the key), run:

$ ssh -T git@github.com

If all goes well, you'll see (on both client/server):

Hi USERNAME! You've successfully authenticated, but GitHub does not provide shell access.

Protip: you can continue steps 1-6 for multiple profiles (make sure git config is set up appropriately first).