What is ftp?

FTP (File Transfer Protocol) is a standard network protocol used for the transfer of computer files between a client and a server on a computer network. It is a commonly used protocol for exchanging files over the Internet and local networks.

Here's a breakdown of key aspects:

• Functionality: FTP provides mechanisms for browsing directories, uploading, and downloading files. It's a relatively simple protocol compared to more modern methods.
• Connection: FTP typically uses two TCP connections: a control connection for commands and responses (port 21) and a data connection for the actual file transfer (port 20 or dynamically allocated ports).
• Modes: It operates in two modes: Active FTP and Passive FTP. Active FTP can cause issues with firewalls because the server initiates the data connection to the client. Passive FTP is often preferred, as the client initiates both the control and data connections.
• Authentication: FTP usually requires authentication, typically a username and password. However, anonymous FTP allows users to access publicly available files without an account.
• Security: Standard FTP is inherently insecure because it transmits usernames, passwords, and data in plain text. This makes it vulnerable to eavesdropping and interception. Secure alternatives like SFTP (SSH File Transfer Protocol) and FTPS (FTP over SSL/TLS) should be used for sensitive data. SFTP is often preferred because it uses a single connection.
• Alternatives: Cloud storage services and other file-sharing protocols have largely replaced FTP for many use cases due to their ease of use and security features.