File Transfer Protocol

FTP, or File Transfer Protocol, is a standard network protocol used to transfer files between a client and a server over a TCP/IP network, such as the internet. Developed in the early 1970s, FTP enables users to upload, download, delete, and manage files on a remote server, making it a vital tool for web developers, system administrators, and anyone needing to transfer large files. FTP operates using a client-server architecture, where the client initiates a connection to the FTP server. Communication typically occurs over two channels: the command channel, which handles the control commands, and the data channel, which transfers the actual files. Users can access FTP servers using various clients, including dedicated applications and web browsers. There are two main modes of FTP: Active Mode, where the server connects back to the client to establish the data channel, and Passive Mode, where the client establishes both channels, enhancing compatibility with firewalls. Despite its popularity, FTP lacks encryption, making it less secure for transferring sensitive data. For this reason, secure alternatives like SFTP (SSH File Transfer Protocol) and FTPS (FTP Secure) have emerged, offering encrypted file transfers while retaining FTP’s functionality.