FTP Server
An FTP (File Transfer Protocol) server is a software application that runs on a network host to enable file transfers between clients and the server over a TCP/IP network. It provides a standardized method for uploading, downloading, and managing files remotely, often used for sharing large files or automating data exchanges. FTP servers typically support user authentication, directory navigation, and various transfer modes (e.g., ASCII, binary).
Developers should learn or use FTP servers when they need to transfer files between systems in environments where modern protocols like SFTP or cloud storage are not feasible, such as legacy systems, specific client requirements, or automated batch processes. It is particularly useful for web development to deploy files to hosting servers, for data backup and recovery in on-premises setups, or in industrial systems where FTP is embedded in hardware devices. However, due to security limitations (e.g., lack of encryption), it is often supplemented with secure alternatives in production.