File Transfer Protocol (FTP)

File Transfer Protocol (FTP) is an older protocol for transferring files between a client and server.

Format
Web & Development
Updated
Updated
Glossary Web & Development
File Transfer Protocol Also known as FTP.Aliases: FTP server, FTP client.

Definition

File Transfer Protocol (FTP) is an older protocol for transferring files between a client and server.

How it works

FTP dates from an era when the network was assumed to be friendly: it sends credentials and file contents in plain text over separate control and data connections. Some hosting environments still offer it, but there is little reason to choose it today, when SFTP and FTPS protect the same workflow with encryption.

Example: An FTP client can upload website files to a hosting account that exposes an FTP service.

Often confused: FTPS is FTP wrapped in TLS; SFTP is a different protocol entirely, running over SSH.

Sources

Last reviewed 2026-07-19.