FTP
FTP (noun) means a long-established set of rules for copying files between computers over a network, commonly used to upload the files of a website to the server that hosts it. Example: “The old host still gives you FTP details rather than a control panel.”
How to Use FTP
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAn old way of copying files to or from another computer over the internet.
Technical; still widely understood, though the plain protocol has largely been replaced by secure versions.
SFTP is not simply a secure version of FTP; it is a different protocol that runs over SSH. FTPS is FTP with encryption added.
Trace the full origin ↓Fill the Gap
Can you complete this real example?
The old host still gives you _____ details rather than a control panel.
Etymology
An initialism of file transfer protocol, one of the earliest internet standards, in use since the early 1970s.
Synonyms
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between FTP and SFTP?
FTP is the original protocol and sends its data, including the username and password, without encryption. SFTP is a separate protocol that transfers files over an encrypted SSH connection. They share a purpose and part of a name, but not their design.
What is the difference between FTP and HTTP?
Both move data over a network, but HTTP was designed for requesting web pages and resources and is what browsers use to load sites. FTP was designed specifically for listing directories and transferring whole files between machines.
Is FTP still used?
It is still supported by many hosting providers and older systems, and remains common in some industries. Encrypted alternatives such as SFTP and FTPS are now the usual choice because plain FTP protects neither the credentials nor the contents.