Lesson Goal
To understand the basics of File Transfer Protocol (FTP), its functions, and its role in file sharing and website management.
File Transfer Protocol (FTP) is a standard network protocol used for the transfer of computer files between a client and server on a computer network. FTP is built on a client-server model architecture and uses separate control and data connections between the client and the server.
Understanding FTP and Its Uses:
- Fundamentals of FTP: FTP allows users to upload or download files from a remote server. It’s one of the oldest protocols used on the Internet and is still widely used for many applications, especially in website management and large file transfers.
- How FTP Works: In FTP, two communication channels are established between the client and the server: the command channel (for controlling the conversation) and the data channel (for transmitting file content). Users typically log in with a username and password, although anonymous FTP (where you log in as ‘anonymous’ and your email address as the password) is also widespread.
- FTP Clients and Servers: FTP requires a server to host the files and a client to access them. There are many FTP client applications available, such as FileZilla, Cyberduck, and WinSCP, which provide a graphical interface to connect to an FTP server.
- Security Aspects of FTP: Standard FTP does not encrypt data, which can be a security concern, especially when transferring sensitive information. To overcome this, FTP over SSL/TLS (FTPS) and SSH File Transfer Protocol (SFTP) are used for secure file transfer.
- Applications of FTP: FTP is commonly used for transferring website files from a developer’s machine to the server hosting the website. It is also used in corporate and academic settings for sharing large files, as most email services have size limits for attachments.
Summary: FTP is a fundamental protocol used to transfer files over a network. It operates on a client-server model and is essential in website management and large file transfers. While standard FTP lacks encryption, variants like FTPS and SFTP provide secure file transfer options.
For further information about FTP and its detailed workings, refer to the Wikipedia page on File Transfer Protocol: FTP Wikipedia.