Create an SSH key

BioShell uses SSH key authentication for access. You generate a key pair once on your own machine, then share the public half with the BioShell team. It takes about two minutes.

Step 1: Generate your key files

macOS and Linux

ssh-keygen -t ed25519 -C "your@email.com"

Press Enter three times to accept the defaults, then print your public key:

cat ~/.ssh/id_ed25519.pub

Windows

ssh-keygen -t ed25519 -C "your@email.com"

Press Enter three times to accept the defaults, then print your public key:

cat $env:USERPROFILE\.ssh\id_ed25519.pub

Tip

Pressing Enter at the passphrase prompt creates a key with no passphrase, which is fine to start with. Adding a passphrase encrypts your private key at rest and is worth doing if you can.

Step 2: Check your key files

Two files are created. Only ever share the .pub one.

File	Description
`id_ed25519`	Private key — never share this
`id_ed25519.pub`	Public key — this is what you send to BioShell

Confirm both exist:

ls -la ~/.ssh/            # macOS and Linux

dir $env:USERPROFILE\.ssh\   # Windows

Step 3: Share your public key with BioShell

Once your project application has been approved, email your public key to BioShell admin email so your account can be set up.

Print your public key using the cat command from the quick start above.
Copy the whole line — it starts with ssh-ed25519 and ends with your email address.
Paste it into the body of your email. Do not attach the private key file.

Your BioShell username is your first initial followed by your surname, all lowercase — so Berenice Ioshell becomes bioshell. You will receive your connection details by email once your environment is provisioned, then head to Connecting to BioShell to log in for the first time.

Important

If you run into any issues, fill in a support request form.