What is FTP Server and How it works | FTP Example | FTP Login | FTP software | How to use FTP Filezilla
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| What is FTP Server |
FTP (File Transfer Protocol) is used to communicate and transfer between computers over a TCP / IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol) network, also known as the Internet. Users who have been granted access can receive and transfer files to the File Transfer Protocol server (also known as an FTP site / host).
As a website developer, FTP is used to make changes to the website. Given the large number of files that can be managed using FTP, it is more convenient and secure.
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| Filezilla - Application for FTP Server |
FTP is a widely used network protocol for transferring files between computers on a TCP / IP-based network such as the Internet. FTP enables people and applications to exchange and share data in their offices and on the Internet. FTP was one of the first technologies developed to address this common need and residue, with the improvement of several generations, using the second most popular protocol today (after HTTP or the "World Wide Web").
FTP application
FTP finds applications in many daily business tasks in business-to-business and peer-to-peer data transfer use cases, including:
The organization's use of FTP allows employees to share files across different locations and branches.
Employees use FTP to share files securely with colleagues and external business partners.
The IT team uses FTP to transfer data to disaster recovery (DR) sites.
Webmaster teams use FTP to transfer web pages, web application files, and images to their web servers.
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| FTP Proxy |
How does FTP file transfer work?
FTP operates on a client-server model where the FTP server and the FTP client perform file transfer operations. The FTP server is configured on the network and a specific file storage location (folder / system) is identified as a shared storage, which will house the files you want to share. End users will access this file server via FTP to copy files to their local folder / system.
What does a FTP require ?
FTP requires a TCP / IP network to function and depends on the use of one or more FTP clients. The FTP client acts as a communication agent to interact with the server to download or upload files. In other words, the FTP client sends a connection to the FTP server. When listening to a client's request to upload or download a file, the FTP server performs a file transfer operation.
FTP client
FTP clients were just command line interface (CLI) applications a few decades ago. Now they come with an intuitive and easy-to-use interface to make file transfer easier and easier. FTP clients are used for desktops, servers, and mobile devices and are available as standalone applications, web clients, and simple web browser extensions. FTP Voyager® is a free Windows® FTP client from Serv-U® that provides a number of built-in functions to facilitate file transfer.
FTP server
The FTP server can support both active and passive connections with the FTP client. In an active FTP connection, the client opens a port and listens while the server actively connects to it. Whereas, in a passive connection, the server opens a port and listens passively, allowing clients to connect to it.
A passive connection is more secure and is also preferred by IT administrators because the data connection is made from the FTP client to the FTP server. This is a more reliable method and prevents Internet connections from reaching individual clients. In a firewall implementation, all connections are made from the Internet to the server, not from the server to the Internet. Idle mode is also known as "firewall-friendly" mode. The more secure the file transfer protocol (such as SFTP, FTPS), the more secure the FTP client support.
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| What is FTP Server ? |
History of FTP
FTP has been around for more than four decades and there have been significant changes in encryption standards and file transfer functionality. The following chart describes the development of FTP and the introduction of managed file transfers, providing support for secure protocols (such as FTPS and SFTP) and advanced management capabilities for controlled and secure file transfers.
How does FTP works?
FTP connections require two parties to establish and communicate over the network. To do this, users need permission by providing credentials to the FTP server. Some public FTP servers may not require credentials to access your files. The practice is common in so-called anonymous FTPs.
There are two different communication channels when establishing an FTP connection. The first is called the command channel where it initiates instructions and responses. The second is called the data channel, where data distribution takes place.
To obtain or transfer a file, an authorized user will use the protocol to request changes to the server. In return, the server will grant that access. This session is known as active connection mode.
If the user is protecting the machine against fire, there may be a problem with the delivery in active mode. Generally, a firewall does not allow unauthorized sessions from an outside party.
If that problem occurs, passive mode is used. In this mode, the user sets both the command and the data channel. This mode tells the server to listen instead of trying to establish a connection with the user.
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| How does FTP works |
Examples of FTP (File Transfer Protocol)
FTP software is relatively easy to configure. FileZilla is a free, downloadable FTP client. Enter the address of the server you want to access, the port and the password to access the server.
Once access is granted, the user's files will appear on your local system and on the accessed server. The user can download the file from the server to the local system or upload the files from the local system to the server. They can also, with proper authorization, make changes to files on the server.
Is FTP still used?
Not much. Platforms that still offer FTP downloads or transfer transfers largely fall out of habit, and even this is not common anymore (more on this below) The two main modern uses for FTP Huh:
Hobby and Learning: FTP is an informal way of introducing people new to Internet protocols before moving on to more complex versions, making it a good starter tool. Some people create FTP file systems with a sense of nostalgia or just for fun.
Moving a large number of server files internally - Some IT professionals may choose to use FTP when transferring server files within a closed system to an organization. In this case, there are no security concerns and FTP may be the easiest way for IT workers to transfer large amounts of files.
What does FTP look like?
Although it depends on the client you use to manage the files, it essentially looks like other files on your computer. There is a hierarchical folder structure, which you can view in the same way as Windows Explorer or the Finder.
You can get an idea by browsing the public FTP server. For example, Adobe downloads all its software via FTP, for customers who own software like Photoshop with a valid product key, but their installation CD does not work. Browsers like Chrome and Firefox also support FTP server discovery (but not file upload).
How to use FTP ?
There are three perspectives on how to establish an FTP connection. A very simple method is to use command line FTP, such as using a command prompt for Windows or Terminal on Mac / Linux. Developers still use it today to transfer files using FTP.
A user can also use a web browser to communicate with an FTP server. A web browser is most convenient when users want to use large directories on the server. However, it is often less reliable and slower than using a dedicated FTP program.
Today, the most common practice for using FTP, especially for a web developer, is to use an FTP client.
An FTP client offers more freedom than command line and web browsers. It is easier to administer and more powerful than other methods.
There are also more features available with this type of client. For example, it allows users to transfer a large file and use a sync utility.
How to connect to an FTP server or How to use FTP Filezilla
There are many FTP clients to choose from. From free open source applications to premium options. For the purpose of this article, we will be using FileZilla, a popular open source FTP client.
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| Connection for FTP Server |
We will need an FTP server first, and we can set one up using our Hostinger account.
Login to your Hostinger account and go to the FTP accounts section
Enter a new username and password for ftp account in Hostinger
Below the list of active FTP accounts, you will see the new FTP server (hostname)
List of active FTP accounts in Hostinger while indicating what is FTP
In FileZilla, enter the hostname, username, and password and hit the Quick Connect button. You can also fill in the port number. Otherwise, port 21 is used by default.
filezilla login prompt and quick connect button
The status window will tell you if you are logged into the FTP server. As you can see in the Remote Sites window, these are the files that the server saves.
The conclusion
There you have it, you can send and retrieve files from an FTP server. As a web developer, you must use FTP with the FTP client to use the website you are managing. Also, it is easy to create and delete directories and read a large number of files on the server.
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We hope this article helps you understand the various methods and programs that are used in conjunction with FTP.
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