FTP
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What is FTP, and what is an FTP client?
FTP stands for File Transfer Protocol and is most often used to transfer data from a computer to a web server over the Internet. An FTP client is an application that is used to upload files from a computer to a server.
How FTP works
The technical explanation
FTP uses the TCP/IP protocol to transfer data between one computer and another. The two computers involved in FTP have different purposes; they are the server and the client.
The server, running FTP server software, listens for connection requests from any FTP clients coming from the network it is connected to, such as a local intranet or Internet. The FTP client, running FTP client software, will send a connection request to the FTP server. Once accepted by the server, the FTP client can perform a number of operations on the data that is accessible by the FTP login. For instance, an FTP client can upload new files, modify existing ones on the server , delete files, modify file permissions, and more.
The practical explanation
When you purchase a web hosting account, you are assigned an FTP path, port, username, and password. You can use an FTP client to upload your web page files via FTP to the server. Except for files in protected directories, the web content you upload will be accessible to anyone who visits your website.
Most operating systems such as Microsoft Windows have built-in FTP support. However, it is recommended to use an FTP client for easier uploading of files. FTP clients usually have more features, such as drag-and-drop and the capability to upload only changed versions of files.
FTP clients
Numerous free and commercial FTP client programs are available. Some run on just one operating system (e.g., Windows or Mac), while others run on two or more. They offer different combinations of a wide range of possible features.
Web-based file managers
Most or all of the more popular control panels include web-based file manager applications. With these file managers, users can upload files from their computers to their websites by logging into their control panels. Web-based file managers lack many of the time-saving and other features that FTP clients have. However, they eliminate the need to have an FTP client installed on the computer, and beginning webmasters may find them easier to use.
See also
Web Hosting Wiki article text shared under a Creative Commons License.
