What is FTP?
FTP (File Transfer Protocol) is a standard network protocol used to transfer files between a client and a server over a network. In web hosting, FTP has traditionally been used to upload website files from a local computer to a web server.
How Does FTP Work?
FTP uses a client-server model where an FTP client connects to an FTP server using a username and password. It operates on two channels: a command channel (typically port 21) for controlling the connection and a data channel for transferring files. FTP supports various operations including uploading, downloading, renaming, and deleting files and directories on the server.
While FTP was the primary method for managing website files for decades, it has significant security drawbacks. Standard FTP transmits credentials and data in plain text, making it vulnerable to interception. For this reason, FTP has largely been replaced by secure alternatives like SFTP (SSH File Transfer Protocol) and FTPS (FTP Secure). Modern deployment methods using Git-based workflows and CI/CD pipelines have further reduced the need for direct FTP access.