FTP vs SMTP

The granddaddy of file transfer, still kicking around like a stubborn old uncle who refuses to retire meets the ancient, reliable backbone of email that somehow still works despite being older than most developers. Here's our take.

FTP

Nice Pick

The granddaddy of file transfer, still kicking around like a stubborn old uncle who refuses to retire.

Pros

• Widely supported across all platforms and systems
• Simple and straightforward for basic file transfers
• No fancy dependencies or setup required

Cons

• Transfers data in plain text, making it a security nightmare
• Requires separate control and data connections, which can be a hassle with firewalls

SMTP

The ancient, reliable backbone of email that somehow still works despite being older than most developers.

Pros

• Universally supported across all email systems
• Simple text-based protocol makes debugging straightforward
• Reliable for message transmission with built-in error handling

Cons

• No built-in encryption (requires TLS/SSL add-ons)
• Vulnerable to spam and spoofing without additional security layers

The Verdict

Use FTP if: You want widely supported across all platforms and systems and can live with transfers data in plain text, making it a security nightmare.

Use SMTP if: You prioritize universally supported across all email systems over what FTP offers.

The Bottom Line

FTP wins

The granddaddy of file transfer, still kicking around like a stubborn old uncle who refuses to retire.