FTP stands for File Transfer Protocol. It is a standard network protocol used to transfer files between a client and a server over a TCP-based network, like the internet. Essentially, it's a set of rules that allows computers to communicate and exchange files, enabling users to upload, download, and manage files on a remote server.
Client-Server Model:
FTP operates on a client-server model, where a client (your computer) connects to an FTP server (a remote computer) to transfer files.
File Transfer:
You can use FTP to upload files (send them to the server) or download files (retrieve them from the server).
TCP/IP Network:
FTP is built on top of the TCP/IP protocol suite, which is the foundation of the internet.
Two Connections:
FTP uses two separate connections: one for commands (like login and file requests) and another for the actual file transfer data.
Common Use Cases:
FTP is commonly used for website management (uploading website files), sharing large files, and transferring data between computers.
FTP Clients:
You typically need an FTP client (a software application) to interact with an FTP server, such as FileZilla or the built-in FTP capabilities in some operating systems.