What is FTP and how does it work? Easily explained
With FTP, files can be transferred between multiple computers. We explain to you what is special about FTP and how it works in our practical tip.
FTP - what is it?
FTP stands for "File Transfer Protocol", which means "file transfer protocol". It is a so-called protocol, more precisely a communication protocol.
- A communication protocol regulates the conditions under which files are transferred between several computers. Among the communication protocols, FTP belongs to the group of network protocols.
- With FTP, the exchange of data between several computers in a network is regulated.
- You can download files from an FTP server, upload files and also view and change the folder structure on the server.
- FTP is mostly used to organize files on an HTTP server, the simple web server.
FTP - how does it work?
Almost all large data centers also offer publicly accessible files and programs via FTP. For example, you can download Firefox using the command prompt via FTP.
- FTP servers can be reached, for example, with the CMD prompt on Windows computers or on Macs with the standard "Fetch" program. You can also use free programs with a graphical user interface, such as FileZilla or CuteFTP.
- To download files from an FTP server or upload them to the server, you need access with a user name and password. Most public FTP servers use anonymous access, the user name is then "anonymous", as a password choose either any letter or number sequence or your email address.
- If you establish a connection to an FTP server, this runs over two channels: the data channel and the control channel. Commands and commands are transmitted via the control channel, files are exchanged on the data channel.
- You can also set up your own FTP server with FileZilla.
In the next practical tip, we will show you how to integrate your own FTP server as a drive. We also present the 3 best programs to set up an FTP server.