/ˌɛf-ti-ˈpi/
n. “Moving files, one connection at a time.”
FTP, short for File Transfer Protocol, is one of the oldest network protocols designed to transfer files between a client and a server over a TCP/IP network. Dating back to the 1970s, it established a standardized way for computers to send, receive, and manage files remotely, long before cloud storage and modern APIs existed.
Using FTP, users can upload files to a server, download files from it, and even manage directories. Traditional FTP requires authentication with a username and password, although anonymous access is sometimes allowed. Secure variants like SFTP and FTPS encrypt data in transit, addressing the original protocol’s lack of confidentiality.
A basic FTP session involves connecting to a server on port 21, issuing commands like LIST, RETR, and STOR, and transferring data over a separate data connection. While this architecture works, it can be blocked by firewalls or NAT devices, leading to the development of passive FTP and more secure alternatives.
Despite its age, FTP remains in use for legacy systems, website deployments, and certain enterprise workflows. Modern developers may prefer HTTP or SFTP for file transfers, but understanding FTP provides historical context for networked file sharing, permissions, and protocol design.
Example usage: uploading website assets to a hosting server, downloading datasets from a remote repository, or syncing files between office systems. FTP clients like FileZilla, Cyberduck, and command-line tools remain widely deployed, proving the protocol’s resilience and longevity.
FTP does not inherently encrypt credentials or files. When security matters, combine it with secure tunnels like SSH or use its secure alternatives. Its legacy, however, lives on as a foundational protocol that influenced modern file-sharing standards.