What is FTP (File Transfer Protocol)?
FTP or File Transfer Protocol is a commonly used protocol for exchanging files over any network that supports the TCP/IP protocol (such as the Internet or an intranet). Two computers are involved in an FTP transfer: a server and a client. The FTP server, running FTP server software, listens on the network for connection requests from other computers. The client computer, running FTP client software, initiates a connection to the server.
Once connected, the customer can do several file manipulation operations, such as uploading files to the server, downloading files from the server, renaming or deleting files on the server, and so on. Any software company or individual programmer can create an FTP server or client software because the protocol is an open standard.
Virtually every computer platform supports the FTP protocol. This allows any computer connected to a TCP/IP based network to manipulate files on another computer, regardless of which operating systems are involved (if the computers permit FTP access). There are many existing FTP client and server programs, and many of these are free. Some examples include:
Windows
- SmartFTP
- FileZilla
- Core FTP
- AceFTP
Mac OS X
- Cyberduck
- RBrowser Lite
- OneButton FTP
- Yummy FTP
- Captain FTP
- Interarchy 8.5
- FTPeel
Linux
- gFTP
Multi-Platform for Firefox
- FireFTP