What Is FTP?

FTP stands for File Transfer Protocol. It is a communication protocol used to transfer files between a local computer and a remote server.

FTP is commonly used to upload, download, and manage website files on hosting servers.

What Is FTP Used For?

The main purpose of FTP is to enable reliable and structured file transfers between systems. It is a core tool for website and server management.

• Uploading website files to a server
• Downloading or editing existing files
• Creating and restoring backups
• Transferring large files

Where Is FTP Commonly Used?

FTP is widely used in hosting and server environments. Common use cases include:

• Website deployment and updates
• CMS file management (WordPress, Joomla, etc.)
• Uploading application files
• Downloading server backups

How Does FTP Work?

FTP follows a client-server model. A user connects to the server using an FTP client and performs file transfer operations.

To establish an FTP connection, the following information is typically required:

• Server address (host)
• Username
• Password
• Port number (default: 21)

Is FTP Secure?

Standard FTP connections are not encrypted. This means login credentials and data are transmitted in plain text.

Because of these security concerns, more secure alternatives are commonly used today.

Difference Between FTP, SFTP, and FTPS

Several variations of FTP were developed to improve security:

• FTP: No encryption, basic file transfer.
• SFTP: Uses SSH and encrypts all data.
• FTPS: Uses SSL/TLS encryption.

From a knowledge base perspective, understanding FTP is essential for effective server and website management.