What is the FTP protocol for? What is FTP and how to use it - FileZilla

12.06.2019 Programs

FTP- a protocol designed to transfer files between the user's computer and the server. Despite the fact that this protocol can hardly be called new, quite often novice users have questions regarding its use.

What is FTP?

As you probably know, there are various protocols for transferring data over the Internet and other networks. Every time you type a website address in your browser's address bar, "http://" is automatically added to the front of it. This is the HTTP protocol (HyperText Transfer Protocol). This protocol is used to transfer HTML pages and related elements (graphics, flash movies, scripts, etc.) from the server to the user. It also often transfers files that the user downloads to his computer.

But now we are not talking about him, but about another protocol - it, as you can see from the title, is called FTP. This abbreviation stands for File Transfer Protocol - file transfer protocol. A completely logical question arises: if we just said that using HTTP, a user can download a file from a server to his computer, why was another protocol needed for transferring files?

The fact is that HTTP was originally intended only for transferring hypertext, and uploading files from the user to the server requires additional body movements on the part of the creator of Web pages. FTP natively allows file transfers in both directions, supports transferring directly between two servers, and also allows the user to work with files located on the server in much the same way as with those located on his own computer.

Despite the fact that the name of this program is similar to the word Mozilla, the developers of the popular browser and email client have nothing to do with it. Nevertheless, the set of features offered to users is no worse than if this software product was developed by specialists from Mozilla.

Firstly, FileZilla supports a secure connection through secure encrypted protocols SSL and SFTP, which is very important in our time. At the same time, there is support for downloading and uploading files larger than 4 GB, as well as a built-in site manager. The program can work under different operating systems and has a special portable version that you can carry with you on a "flash drive" and run without installation. The multilingual interface of the program completes the picture, and among the languages there is also Russian.

Total

Well, as you can see, there are no particular difficulties in working with the FTP protocol. Most users can easily get by with Windows Explorer or their favorite browser, but those who want something more will be able not to spend money on expensive specialized programs and not hack them, but use free solutions that are in no way inferior in quality to commercial ones. . Good luck in "communication" with FTP-servers!

What is FTP?

FTP (File Transfer Protocol) is a file transfer protocol. This is one of the protocols for transmitting information over the Internet. In fact, this is a generally accepted specification of commands that programs use to do their work. Protocols are created so that different programs on different types of computers can communicate with each other. It's kind of like a universal language.

What gives FTP:

Ability to transfer files over the Internet

Ability to remotely manage computer files

Ease of working with files

Using this protocol, you can download any files to your computer: MP3, ZIP archives, text and programs. To work with FTP, you need special programs that provide this protocol. There are several types of FTP programs, but the most popular and useful ones are:

FTP clients

FTP servers

An FTP server is a special program that runs on a computer and runs in the background. It makes an FTP server out of a regular computer, from which you can download files or upload them. It monitors all requests coming from other computers (for example, from yours), processes them and gives a response. When installing the FTP server, a directory accessible to other client programs is specified. All files and directories have their own attributes that restrict access to them from remote computers. For example, you can make one file read-only, another execute-only, a third write-only, a fourth completely open to other machines, and so on. The same is true for directories.

An FTP client is a special program that works with FTP servers. It is designed to submit requests to servers and receive information. In fact, it is arranged in the same way as a server, only it is controlled from a local machine, either automatically or by a person. You cannot manage the client through the network; there are servers for this. FTP clients can provide users with a user-friendly interface that is very similar to the usual file manager interface. Among the good FTP clients I can mention Windows Commander. This program allows you to work with local files, with remote files via FTP, completely replaces the usual explorer and can do a lot of useful and pleasant things. Previously, such file managers were much simpler (Norton Commander, DOS Navigator, FAR Manager). Windows Commander will be very useful for the creators of their own sites, as it allows you to upload site files to the host server as conveniently as possible. It has a special file synchronization feature that compares directories and identifies mismatched files. When synchronizing, this manager even specifies how the files match - binary or text. You can upload files by binary method and text. These methods differ only in the different consideration of carriage return characters. For example, when loading CGI scripts and text files (including HTML), you must use the text method, and when loading applications, MP3s, and other binary files, you must use the binary method.

Another type of FTP clients are programs like Go!Zilla, ReGet and others. They are called boot managers. They allow users to conveniently download files from WEB servers. The peculiarity of these programs is that they can integrate with the browser and automatically intercept the files that you download from the pages. FTP downloaders allow YOU to resume in the event of a connection failure, they usually have a beautiful interface and are easy to manage. They can schedule downloads. For example, you click "download" on the pages of sites, then you tell the program - Download later. At the same time, the program fixes all the files selected for download and displays them in its window for you. You can tell her which files and at what time to download, and she will automatically download them. Acting automatically, the program can itself call the provider via modem, connect to the server, download the necessary files, and even disconnect and turn off the computer. This is handy if you have unlimited nighttime access. You can sit on the Internet one night and select files, and sleep the second night, substituting a program like Go!Zilla to download them automatically.

In general, FTP is cool. Therefore, always and everywhere use this protocol. Upload your pages via FTP, not via WEB forms.

1 vote

Welcome to the pages of my start-luck blog. You watch videos on YouTube, read articles and constantly stumble upon the same incomprehensible abbreviation ftp. You see some kind of program, thanks to which other users easily and simply upload all the files to the server. Why do they use it? Is she really comfortable? Does it make sense to download?

I recently wrote an article about . However, this is not the only way to manage the site. There are alternatives and some like them much more. Why and how - let's figure it out. Today I will tell you how to use an FTP server.

Sooner or later, every site owner who is trying to figure out all the nuances of the work comes to using FTP and the program that manages it. This is especially true if you have several projects or you create websites for sale. But let's talk about everything in order.

What is FTP and Why Use It

So, in general, FTP is a protocol that is needed in order to transfer files over the Internet. The word "protocol" is a bit confusing, isn't it? What is it all about? Just for everything, a standard, (a set of rules, if you will) accepted regarding the form, mode of transmission, and procedure for interpreting files.

It allows you to connect to the same protocols on the server and upload files there, download them or view them, but through a special program installed on your computer.

You do not need to go to your personal account on the hosting, open a folder with your site and upload information there. You simply open an FTP client (a program that allows you to connect your computer and a server), then a folder on your PC and upload the documents you need to the site.

In fact, if you have installed or any other on your laptop or phone, then here's a simple analogy for you what FTP is. The algorithm of actions is approximately the same. to the desired system folder, and it appears on the server, you can access it from anywhere in the world.

What are the benefits of using this server connection?

First, the most obvious ones. If you are uploading some large-scale document, and the Internet is accidentally cut off, then you can restore the download from the same place immediately after the connection is resumed.

For novice creators, an FTP client can generally open up new possibilities and facets. Remember when we chose? One of the criteria was a convenient and simple control panel.

I said that once you get used to a certain system, it can be very difficult to readjust. As a result, having become a more advanced developer, you use the same inconvenient hosting as many years ago simply because you don’t want to change anything.

If you work through an ftp manager, you don’t care what control panel is on the hosting. You go there once, find out the data and forget about it forever. You can create portals with different partners and have access to all sites from one place, on your computer in a familiar program.

To be honest, I myself recently discovered this method of data transfer. I downloaded the first program I came across, tried it - not bad. Subsequently, it turned out that the choice of software is a very important point. Not only comfort depends on it, but also speed and the ability to use advanced features.

I was lucky, later it turned out that I immediately started using the most popular and best program recommended by professionals around the world.

Let's talk about her a little.

FileZilla

FileZilla is in seventh place in the Sourceforge ranking of the most popular programs in the world. It is completely free, there is a version in Russian, suitable for any operating system. A sane interface, understandable for a beginner, is also an indisputable plus. It is possible to change the design, supports various themes. Provides good download speed.

What else is the program capable of? As I said, it allows you to resume the download if the connection was interrupted. You can adjust the transfer speed, edit files on the server remotely, search for them quickly and easily, and perform many other actions.

You can download the utility from the official site developer. There is no need to pay, but if you have a desire to thank the developers, I think they will not be upset with a small financial bonus. I will not stop at the installation. It is as simple as two fingers.

Next, to log in, you will need the server IP address, login and password. They are mailed out immediately. I hope you have this letter. If not, I advise you to contact the technical support of the hosting. By the way, by my personal link you can get hosting HandyHost for 90 days - free of charge. Take advantage of your health - www.handyhost.com/hosting .

I will write a more detailed article about how the FTP client works, but for now you can watch the training video. It shows everything in detail.

OK it's all over Now. What more i can say? If you are a beginner or already have your own blog, but want to improve it, get more traffic and profit, I can advise you school of bloggers Alexander Borisov . I myself am a member, and therefore using this link you will get a good discount.

If you sign up for the course, you will receive all the training materials that are already created and sold separately:

« How to become a Thousand Blogger»
« Selling information from A to Z»
« Newsletter that makes money 2.0»
« Legal side of Internet business" and much more.

In addition, you get "homework assignments" and recommendations on how to change your site specifically to make it more profitable.

Here you will get a lot of advice regarding your specific situation. Attendance will skyrocket. In just a few months on my blog, it has doubled in size. At school, you will gain knowledge in all areas that relate to Internet projects.

If this post was helpful to you, I suggest subscribing. In this case, I will start sending you my new articles directly to the mail. I wish you all the best. See you soon.

Evgeny Zhdanov

What gives FTP:

Ability to transfer files over the Internet

Ability to remotely manage computer files

Ease of working with files

FTP clients

FTP servers

In general, FTP is cool. Therefore, always and everywhere use this protocol. Upload your pages via FTP, not via WEB forms.

FTP (File Transfer Protocol - file transfer protocol) appeared in 1971 and is actively used to this day. This standard Internet protocol is the easiest way to exchange files between computers on the Internet. FTP is based on the base layer protocols TCP/IP.

The main purpose of FTP is to send (copy, transfer) files on the Internet from a remote computer to a local computer (Download) and from a local computer to a remote computer (Upload). Using the FTP protocol, you can also work with your files directly on a remote computer. It should be noted that, unlike Web servers, which provide read-only information, FTP servers allow users to not only download information, but also add information to the server. In particular, to transfer files from which Web pages are constructed, it is the FTP protocol that is used.

Naturally, the rights to change information on the server should be granted only to the owners of this information. User rights when accessing an FTP server are regulated by a login and password, but this does not mean that there are no servers on the Web that are available to a wide audience. Many servers can be accessed under a pseudonym, in which case a limited set of files will be available to you.

In general, the format of the FTP resource address is:

ftp:// :@:/, where:

user - username (login);
password - password;
host - domain name or IP address of the server;
url-path - path to the file.

The port is usually not specified, but the standard one is used - 21.

To access public access servers, it is enough to specify anonymous as a user name, and your mail address as a password. For anonymous FTP, the url has a simplified syntax: ftp:// /, that is, if there is no name, anonymous will be automatically inserted.

FTP Clients

The FTP service is based on a client-server architecture. The client computer runs a client program that connects to the server and sends or receives files. Access to the FTP server can be carried out using FTP clients of different classes, namely:

console client - the ftp.exe program supplied with the Windows operating system;
FTP client built into a browser (such as Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator);
FTP client built into the file manager (in particular, FAR or Windows Commander);
FTP client built into the HTML editor (HomeSite, Dreamweaver, or FrontPage);
special programs (for example, CuteFTP or WS FTP).

Access using ftp.exe

Ftp.exe is a console client that does not have a GUI and is the least user friendly. We include it only because it is useful for clarifying the main question posed in the title: "how it works."

Running the ftp.exe program will enter an interactive session: the program will present you with a command prompt and wait for requests. To conduct a dialogue, there are several dozen commands, a number of which are given below:

cd [remote_directory] - change directory;
mkdir [directory_name] - create a directory on the remote machine;
get [remote_file] [local_file] - transfer a copy of a remote file to your computer. If no local filename has been given, it is the same as the remote filename;
reget [remote_file] [local_file] - download a remote file if part of it is already on the local machine. The command is especially useful for getting large files with possible connection backlogs;
put [local_file] [remote_file] - send a file to a remote system. If the remote file name is not specified, then it matches the name on the local system;
delete [deleted_file] - delete a deleted file;
close - terminate the FTP session with the remote server and return to the command interpreter;
bye - exit the FTP server (causes the interpreter to exit).

Note. For a complete list of commands and more information, see RFC 959.

It should be noted that the FTP protocol provides a long-term interactive connection, while the HTTP protocol transfers the requested object within one session, and then closes the connection. FTP allows you to communicate and maintain a connection until a command is given to terminate the communication session.

The FTP protocol understands two types of files - text and binary, and all non-text files are perceived as binary. Working through an FTP connection is carried out in the same way as exchanging text messages (service commands), and directly with those files that are moved between two computers.

The console form of work is less convenient for users, but it allows you to better understand what exactly is happening, what commands the computer executes. The graphical interface provides a shell that is more convenient to work with, but hides some lower-level processes from the user. Since graphical interfaces are more convenient, we will talk about them in the future.

Access using the FTP client built into the file manager

file manager with a built-in FTP client expands its functions - from the level of serving the file system of the local computer to the level of the Internet. One of the most successful file managers that provides convenient access to file archives on the Internet via the FTP protocol is the FAR program. It allows you to pre-configure the FTP server connection settings by typing the server address, access name and password, and other parameters. You can configure any number of such connections, and then connect to the server by selecting one of the previously configured connections. The list of FTP servers can have a branching structure, that is, you can create folders inside it and place new connections to FTP servers there or copy existing ones. Once connected, working with the server to transfer files is no different from working with files on the local computer. The same functions for copying, deleting, creating files and directories on the FTP server are available (Fig. 2).

Working with FTP servers in Windows Commander is slightly different: the list of connections to servers is presented as a separate window called from the menu. In this window, you can edit connection parameters. After establishing a connection to the selected server, this connection is visible as a separate drive. Unlike FAR, in Windows Commander you can open many connections at the same time and work with them in the same way as with disks on your own computer. If you do not need to add a connection to the list, then you can not configure the connection parameters with the FTP server in advance, but set them during the connection establishment. It is possible to pre-create a list of files that need to be downloaded from the FTP server, and specify the directory where to write them.

Access using dedicated FTP clients

There are quite a few specialized FTP clients that have a convenient graphical interface and a lot of auxiliary functions. One of the most popular programs in this series is CuteFTP. Consider its latest version in more detail.

CuteFTP 5.0 XP has a simple intuitive interface (Fig. 4), a convenient prompt system, offers a Windows-like interface instead of a command line, and supports most of the standard Windows features, such as drag-and-drop. A simple interface allows you to use the product with little or no training.