FTP

File Transfer Protocol (FTP) is a standard network protocol used to transfer files from one host to another host over a TCP-based network, such as the Internet.  FTP is commonly used to transfer Web page files or to download programs and other files to your computer from other servers.

FTP is built on a client-server architecture and uses separate control and data connections between the client and the server.

As a user, you can use FTP with a simple command line interface (for example, from the Windows MS-DOS Prompt window) or with a commercial program that offers a graphical user interface.  Your Web browser can also make FTP requests to download programs you select from a Web page.

Using FTP, you can also update (delete, rename, move, and copy) files at a server.  You need to logon to an FTP server.  However, publicly available files are easily accessed using anonymous FTP.

FTP users may authenticate themselves using a clear-text sign-in protocol, normally in the form of a username and password, but can connect anonymously if the server is configured to allow it.

The first FTP client applications were command-line applications developed before operating systems had graphical user interfaces, and are still shipped with most Windows, Unix, and Linux operating systems.  Dozens of FTP clients and automation utilities have since been developed for desktops, servers, mobile devices, and hardware, and FTP has been incorporated into hundreds of productivity applications, such as Web page editors.