
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.
π¦ Itβs the tool developers use to upload, download, or manage files on a website.
π Where is FTP Used?
β
Uploading a new website
β
Updating HTML, CSS, JS, or image files
β
Creating backups
β
Managing folders on your server
β
Downloading error logs or plugins
π₯οΈ How FTP Works (Step-by-Step)
- You install an FTP client (like FileZilla)
- You enter the hostname, username, password, and port
- Once connected, you see:
- Left side = Your computer
- Right side = Website server
- You drag and drop files to upload or download
π‘ Itβs just like copying files between two folders β but one folder is online!
π FTP vs SFTP β Whatβs the Difference?
Protocol | Stands For | Secure? |
---|---|---|
FTP | File Transfer Protocol | β No |
SFTP | Secure File Transfer | β Yes |
SFTP adds encryption for security and is commonly used today.
βοΈ Popular FTP Clients
Tool | Platform | Description |
---|---|---|
FileZilla | Windows, Mac | Most popular, free, open-source |
Cyberduck | Mac, Windows | Simple UI, supports SFTP |
WinSCP | Windows | Lightweight & secure |
π₯ Example: Uploading Your Website with FTP
Letβs say you built a website called myportfolio.html
.
To upload it:
- Open FileZilla
- Enter hosting credentials (from your cPanel or email)
- Navigate to
/public_html/
folder - Drag
myportfolio.html
and drop it there - Done! You can now access it at:
https://yourdomain.com/myportfolio.html
π§ Where to Get FTP Details?
π§ 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)
π¦ What Files Can You Transfer with FTP?
β
HTML, CSS, JS
β
PHP files
β
Images, videos, docs
β
Zip files
β
Plugin & theme folders
π§ Fun Fact
The first FTP protocol was introduced in 1971 β itβs older than the World Wide Web!
And itβs still in use today for website management π
β Summary
You Learned Today |
---|
β What is FTP and how it works |
β How to use FTP for website uploads |
β FTP vs SFTP |
β Top FTP tools and how to connect |
π¬ Comment Prompt
π¬ 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!
π₯ Join our tech group β @LearnNewThingsHub