The Meaning of FTP: What It Is and How To Use It

Do you know the definition of FTP? This article will provide you with all of the information you need on the abbreviation FTP, including its definition, usage, examples, and more!

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What does the abbreviation FTP stand for?

According to Fortinet, FTP stands for file transfer protocol. This is a set or group of rules that govern how computers transfer files between different systems over the internet. FTP can be used to send files between computers or for uploading and downloading files from servers. This protocol works by opening two connections that are able to link the two or more computers that are trying to communicate with each other. One channel of the connection is meant for the commands and replies that get sent between the two clients, and the other channel is responsible for handling the transfer of data. The three different modes of FTP are block, stream and compressed. Stream mose does not brean any boundaries between information in a string of data. Block mode separates the data out into blocks, and compress mode compresses the data using an algorithm called the Lempel-Ziv. The four commands that are used by the computers, servers, or proxy servers that are communicating are send, get, change directory, and transfer.

There is also something called SFTP which refers to Secure Shell (SSH) File Transfer Protocol. SSH File Transfer Protocol provides file transfers that are secured via SSH, which provides full access to shell accounts, which are accounts that sit on a remote server. In comparison, an FTP server or host does not give users a secure channel for transferring files to the FTP client. SFTP also only uses a single channel. FTP is also less secure because it uses clear-text passwords and usernames as login credentials, which do not undergo an encryption process. However, it tends to work well with firewalls, especially when using FTPES or passive mode. 

FTPES stands for File Transfer Protocol over explicit transport layer security (TLS)/secure sockets layer (SSL). You can also choose to transfer any shared file if you have the right TCP (Transmission Control Protocol)/IP and L/P. It is also easy to use in a web browser, since browsers do not need special software or a client to download files from FTP servers.

By default, this transfer of files that takes place on a local-area network (LAN) uses separate control and data connections between the client and the server and is built on what is called client–server model architecture. It also uses TELNET for control messages between the hosts. This communications protocol can also be used in active mode, in which the client listens to incoming data connections from the server or data channel on a certain port or the next open port. This can work with Mac, Windows, Unix, and Linux desktops on a computer network along with mobile devices, and many have graphical user interfaces. Common web browsers like Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox and Safari can use these easily and provide web browser support outside of the command-line programs via the command channel or other such communications channels. Some may not support protocol extensions for secure file transfers like FTPED or other secure file transfer protocols/standard network protocol.

In the history of FTP, the first FTP client applications were used via the command line. Now, free FTP clients include things like cPanel or FileZilla, both of thich can transfer file content. 

According to The Free Dictionary, the term FTP can stand for much more than just file transfer protocol. This acronym has many other potential definitions. While these other definitions are still valid, they are less common than video on demand and should therefore be used sparingly. If you do decide to use one of these alternate meanings, make sure that you provide the reader with the proper context so that they can infer the correct intended meaning. This should be standard practice with any acronym that has more than one potential definition.

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Overall, the acronym FTP means file transfer protocol, which is a client-server model used for data and file transfers between computers.

Sources:

FTP – What does FTP stand for? | The Free DictionaryÂ