FTP
FTP (File Transfer Protocol) is a standard network protocol used for transferring files between a client and a server over a TCP-based network, such as the internet. It operates on a client-server model, allowing users to upload, download, rename, delete, and manage files on remote systems, typically using separate control and data connections.
Also known as: File Transfer Protocol, FTP protocol, ftp, FTP/S, SFTP (often confused)
🧊Why learn FTP?
Developers should learn FTP for scenarios involving simple, direct file transfers between systems, such as deploying web applications to hosting servers, sharing large files in legacy environments, or automating batch file operations in scripts. It is particularly useful in contexts where security is not a primary concern or when interacting with older systems that lack support for more modern protocols.
See how it ranks →Compare FTP
Learning Resources
Related Tools
Alternatives to FTP
Other Network Protocols
View all →Acme Protocol
Acme Protocol is a standardized communication protocol used for automated certificate management, primarily for obtaining and renewing SSL/TLS certificates from certificate authorities (CAs). It enables servers and applications to automatically request, validate, and install certificates without manual intervention, streamlining the process of securing web services with HTTPS. The protocol is widely implemented by CAs and tools like Let's Encrypt to support the ACME (Automated Certificate Management Environment) standard.
ActivityPub
ActivityPub is an open, decentralized social networking protocol that enables servers to communicate and share social activities, such as posts, likes, and follows, across different platforms. It is a W3C standard that defines a client-to-server API for creating, updating, and deleting content, as well as a server-to-server API for federated interactions between independent servers. This allows users on different social media platforms to interact seamlessly, fostering interoperability in the fediverse.
ActivityPub
ActivityPub is a decentralized social networking protocol that enables different social platforms to communicate with each other, allowing users to interact across independent servers. It provides a standardized way for servers to exchange social activities like posts, likes, and follows, forming a federated network where no single entity controls the entire system. This protocol underpins many modern federated social networks, promoting interoperability and user autonomy.
AMQP
AMQP (Advanced Message Queuing Protocol) is an open standard application layer protocol for message-oriented middleware, enabling reliable, secure, and interoperable messaging between applications. It defines a wire-level protocol for message queuing, routing, and delivery, supporting features like publish/subscribe, request/reply, and point-to-point communication. AMQP is widely used in distributed systems, microservices architectures, and enterprise messaging to decouple components and handle asynchronous communication.
BACnet
BACnet (Building Automation and Control Networks) is a communication protocol designed specifically for building automation and control systems, such as HVAC, lighting, and security. It enables interoperability between devices from different manufacturers by defining standard data objects, services, and network rules. Developed by ASHRAE, it is widely used in commercial and industrial buildings for efficient management and monitoring.
BACnet
BACnet (Building Automation and Control Networks) is a communication protocol designed specifically for building automation and control systems, such as HVAC, lighting, and security. It enables interoperability between devices from different manufacturers by standardizing data exchange over various network types, including Ethernet, IP, and serial links. The protocol defines objects, services, and data structures to facilitate monitoring and control of building systems.