Elderly and experienced hosting users, of course, know about FTP. But beginners will be useful to know what FTP is and why it is needed.
What is FTP
In a nutshell, File Transfer Protocol (file transfer protocol) is a reliable and simple tool that helps to share documents over a distance. You can download documents, music, movies, programs, pictures, drivers, etc. FTP is commonly used to access configuration file changes or site folders in hosting.
Unlike other application layer protocols (DNS, HTTP, HTTPS, SMTP, SSH, etc.) it is extremely easy to use. If any error pops up while transferring files, the process is aborted and the user sees an error message. If the data exchange goes smoothly, it means that you have received or uploaded the file you specifically wanted.
This tool is used by ordinary users, programmers, and businesses for local storage or data exchange. FTP also makes it possible to upload and download files to a server (to users with the right permissions or even anonymously if the file owner has that task).
What is needed to exchange data? An FTP client (a program to connect to an FTP server) and an FTP server.
Server tasks:
- control the characteristics (connection parameters), determine the address and port of the server on which the exchange of files takes place
- provide access to stored files via login and password
- provide work only with those folders and files to which a particular user is allowed access
FTP client for different programs is used differently, for example,
FileZilla, CrossFTP, CuteFTP, WinSCPetc. And Linux lovers in general prefer to work with the command line))
Advantages of working via File Transfer Protocol
It works on the principle of accessing a remote folder. You can see the files you have access to (depending on your permissions) and download them without intermediaries. There's no need for a third-party program to set up a template to display a list of files depending on your permissions, there's no need for a web interface, and there's no need to generate access keys (like in Apache, for example).
Disadvantages of the FTP protocol
Although this protocol allows the user to get and download files, you should note that all data is transmitted in plain view. FTP does not support data encryption, so if someone wanted to, they could connect to your local network from outside and will be able to download your data.
Also, this protocol has no protection against password mining and login attempts, so hackers may be able to find the password to log in and gain access to your folders. But there is a way out - use encrypted FTP (FTPS, SFTP) or access your FTP files via VPN. But that's for another time.
