Tech Facts & AI Tools

What is FTP? File Transfer Protocol Explained for Beginners

What is FTP?

FTP stands for File Transfer Protocol.
It is a standard network protocol used to transfer files between a computer and a web server.

πŸ“¦ It’s the tool developers use to upload, download, or manage files on a website.

🌍 Where is FTP Used?

βœ… Uploading a new website
βœ… Updating HTML, CSS, JS, or image files
βœ… Creating backups
βœ… Managing folders on your server
βœ… Downloading error logs or plugins

πŸ–₯️ How FTP Works (Step-by-Step)

  1. You install an FTP client (like FileZilla)
  2. You enter the hostname, username, password, and port
  3. Once connected, you see:
    • Left side = Your computer
    • Right side = Website server
  4. You drag and drop files to upload or download

πŸ’‘ It’s just like copying files between two folders β€” but one folder is online!

πŸ”’ FTP vs SFTP – What’s the Difference?

ProtocolStands ForSecure?
FTPFile Transfer Protocol❌ No
SFTPSecure File Transferβœ… Yes

SFTP adds encryption for security and is commonly used today.

ToolPlatformDescription
FileZillaWindows, MacMost popular, free, open-source
CyberduckMac, WindowsSimple UI, supports SFTP
WinSCPWindowsLightweight & secure

πŸ“₯ Example: Uploading Your Website with FTP

Let’s say you built a website called myportfolio.html.

To upload it:

  1. Open FileZilla
  2. Enter hosting credentials (from your cPanel or email)
  3. Navigate to /public_html/ folder
  4. Drag myportfolio.html and drop it there
  5. Done! You can now access it at:
    https://yourdomain.com/myportfolio.html

πŸ”§ Where to Get FTP Details?

🧠 Your web hosting provider (like Hostinger, Bluehost) will give you:

  • FTP hostname (usually ftp.yourdomain.com)
  • Username
  • Password
  • Port (usually 21 for FTP, 22 for SFTP)

πŸ“¦ What Files Can You Transfer with FTP?

βœ… HTML, CSS, JS
βœ… PHP files
βœ… Images, videos, docs
βœ… Zip files
βœ… Plugin & theme folders

🧠 Fun Fact

The first FTP protocol was introduced in 1971 β€” it’s older than the World Wide Web!
And it’s still in use today for website management πŸš€

βœ… Summary

You Learned Today
βœ… What is FTP and how it works
βœ… How to use FTP for website uploads
βœ… FTP vs SFTP
βœ… Top FTP tools and how to connect

πŸ’¬ Comment Prompt

πŸ’¬ Have you used FileZilla or any FTP client before?
Need help setting it up for your hosting? Drop a comment or ask in our Telegram group!

πŸ“₯ Join our tech group β†’ @LearnNewThingsHub

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