One of the most common computer-to-computer file transfer methods is via FTP, the File Transfer Protocol. You may have never used FTP explicitly; maybe you've never heard of it. However, FTP is one of the oldest internet protocols.

So, what is FTP?

What Is FTP?

FTP stands for File Transfer Protocol and is used primarily to transfer files between different computers via the internet. For example, if you have a bunch of files you want to upload to a website, you can use FTP to transfer files to the website hosting server directly.

Similarly, if you have your own server hosting, you can upload files to the server via FTP, ready for others to download. FTP began life in the pre-graphical computing era. You would use FTP to connect to a remote computer.

Once connected, you can get files (receive) or put files (send). These terms still exist today in FTP terminology. Similarly, a computer offering files for download via FTP is known as an FTP server (or an FTP host).

For the most part, you'll need to access an FTP server with a username and a password. It is a bit like logging into your computer, except it is a remote computer.

There are also FTP servers that do not require you to login with a specific account. These are often public FTP servers for testing purposes or anonymous FTP servers serving open-source software or content.

Most modern web browsers can access an FTP server from the browser window if you have the correct address and login credentials. It isn't the ideal method (an FTP client is preferred, more on these below), but it is functional.

As an example, you can send and receive files from a Mac via FTP.

How Does FTP Work?

As a basic explanation, FTP uses two connections: a control channel and a data channel. The control channel creates a connection between the two computers and establishes any credentials. The data channel is responsible for the transfer of data between the two computers.

What Is a Protocol?

In the context of the internet and broader communications networks, a protocol is essentially a set of standardized rules that allow two or more entities to transmit and read information. The internet consists of numerous protocols, all of which define how the internet works.

One of the most common examples is the Internet Protocol (IP), which dictates how data is delivered across the internet using IP addresses. That's a super simplified version of how IP addresses work---but can an IP address expose where you live?

What Is FTPS?

FTPS stands for File Transfer Protocol Secure. The original FTP protocol wasn't built with security in mind. Without additional security features layered on top of FTP (which come from the FTP client or the FTP server), it is an insecure standard.

FTPS adds support for Transport Layer Security (TLS), which enables users to encrypt their FTP connection using common encryption algorithms. FTPS encrypts both the control and data channel from beginning to end, ensuring the entire connection is secure. FTPS is compatible with regular FTP.

What Is SFTP?

SFTP stands for SSH File Transfer Protocol. SSH is the Secure Shell Protocol and is used to provide security to insecure connections. However, you shouldn't confuse SSH for SSL or HTTPS, which are different things again. There are two major differences between SFTP and FTP and FTPS.

First, SFTP uses a single encrypted control and data channel, rather than the dual channels of regular FTP. Second, SFTP encrypts all data before transmission, including user credentials. The additional encryption provides an extra layer of security for users, as well as some privacy, too.

What Is an FTP Client?

The FTP client is one method for accessing an FTP server. Most FTP clients provide a dual-screen window, displaying the files on your computer on one half, and the files on the remote computer (or server) in the other.

From here, you can copy and paste files from one computer to the other. Most FTP clients come with the same array of file management options as you find on your desktop, such as renaming, drag and drop, creating a new folder or file, and deletion.

Some FTP clients come with extra options, such as a command-line interface for advanced commands, built-in text editors (for tweaking text-based files), and directory comparisons (which allow you to compare the contents of two directories).

There are several good free FTP clients available for Windows. Furthermore, you can use the Windows File Explorer as an FTP client, accessing remote files as attached storage.

FTP In the Browser

As mentioned above, you can use FTP from your browser. You need the address of the FTP server. The address will look slightly different to a regular website address, swapping out the https:// for ftp://. The result will look something similar to this:

ftp://site.name.com

When you enter the URL to access the FTP server, you'll have to enter your login credentials, such as a username or email address, and the password. Some FTP servers allow direct access with the inclusion of your username and password in the URL. In this instance, the URL will look similar to this:

ftp://ftp_username:ftp_password@site.name.com

Once you log in to the FTP server in your browser, you can access files similarly to an FTP client. However, browsers generally offer fewer security options, so you should consider the FTP servers you access and the content you download.

Do I Need an FTP Server?

It is an interesting question. Do you need an FTP server? If you regularly send files to people, an FTP server might suit you. An FTP server allows you to organize your files as you would in a desktop file explorer, provide access to other users to download files remotely and set specific permissions as to what users can and cannot do to your files.

For example, you want to provide a permanent link for your family photo album online, but you also want to provide your family access to upload their photos. A private FTP server (that requires a strong and unique password) provides a file hosting server that your family can access to download and upload family photo albums, all in one place.

Your family photo album is then easier to manage and available to all of your family. The FTP server doesn't restrict large file sizes, either, unless you specify. Best of all, your family photo album is backed up, protected against any unforeseen issues.

The family photo album is a basic example of how you could use an FTP server. There are countless other uses, but FTP revolves around one thing: making it easier to manage and share files between computers.

File Transfer Protocol Explained

File Transfer Protocol, or FTP, is one of the most common ways to transfer files between computers. It is accessible to all operating systems, is in use throughout the internet, and you can find countless tutorials on setting up and using FTP. In short, once you start using FTP, you'll become a file-sharing savant.

Of course, FTP is only one of many ways to exchange data between devices.