SFTP
SFTP (SSH File Transfer Protocol) is a network protocol that provides secure file access, transfer, and management over a reliable data stream, typically using SSH (Secure Shell) for encryption and authentication. It allows users to securely copy, move, delete, and manage files on remote servers, functioning as an extension of SSH rather than a standalone protocol. Unlike FTP, SFTP encrypts both commands and data, protecting against eavesdropping and tampering during file operations.
Developers should learn and use SFTP when they need to securely transfer files between systems, such as deploying code to production servers, backing up data, or managing remote file systems in cloud environments. It is essential for scenarios requiring encrypted file transfers over untrusted networks, like handling sensitive configuration files, logs, or user data, and is commonly integrated into CI/CD pipelines, automated scripts, and server administration tasks.