FTP, short for File Transfer Protocol, is an established network protocol that facilitates file transmission over the internet[1]. Abhay Bhushan is credited with its development, having first introduced it as RFC114 in 1971. This protocol enables a connection between a server and a client, paving the way for data transfer. It functions in both active and passive modes, responding with three-digit status codes. However, FTP is not naturally secure, with known vulnerabilities like susceptibility to FTP bounce and brute-force attacks. Over time, FTP has adapted to support extended passive mode and IPv6. Secure FTP alternatives like SSH FTP and SFTP have also been developed. FTP servers can be accessed via different software applications, FTP URLs, and web browsers.
The File Transfer Protocol (FTP) is a standard communication protocol used for the transfer of computer files from a server to a client on a computer network. FTP is built on a client–server model architecture using separate control and data connections between the client and the server. FTP users may authenticate themselves with a plain-text sign-in protocol, normally in the form of a username and password, but can connect anonymously if the server is configured to allow it. For secure transmission that protects the username and password, and encrypts the content, FTP is often secured with SSL/TLS (FTPS) or replaced with SSH File Transfer Protocol (SFTP).
| Communication protocol | |
| Purpose | File transfer |
|---|---|
| Developer(s) | Abhay Bhushan for RFC 114 |
| Introduction | April 16, 1971 |
| OSI layer | Application layer |
| Port(s) | 21 for control, 20 for data transfer |
| RFC(s) | RFC 959 |
The first FTP client applications were command-line programs developed before operating systems had graphical user interfaces, and are still shipped with most Windows, Unix, and Linux operating systems. Many dedicated FTP clients and automation utilities have since been developed for desktops, servers, mobile devices, and hardware, and FTP has been incorporated into productivity applications such as HTML editors and file managers.
An FTP client used to be commonly integrated in web browsers, where file servers are browsed with the URI prefix "ftp://". In 2021, FTP support was dropped by Google Chrome and Firefox, two major web browser vendors, due to it being superseded by the more secure SFTP and FTPS; although neither of them have implemented the newer protocols.
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