FTP

FTP, or File Transfer Protocol, is a standard network protocol used for the transfer of computer files between a client and server on a computer network. It was developed in the early 1970s by Abhay Bhushan and later refined by the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF).

File Transfer Protocol, more commonly known as FTP, facilitates the transfer of files over a network and allows users to upload, download, delete, rename, move, and copy files on a server. It operates on the TCP/IP protocol suite, using TCP ports 20 and 21 for data transfer and control commands, respectively. FTP was originally proposed by Abhay Bhushan in 1971 as part of RFC 114. The protocol works in two modes: active and passive. In active mode, the client opens a port and listens while the server actively connects to it. In passive mode, the server opens a port and listens passively, allowing the client to initiate the connection, which is beneficial when dealing with firewalls and NAT configurations. FTP lacks encryption, making it less secure compared to modern protocols like SFTP (Secure FTP) or FTPS (FTP Secure, which uses SSL/TLS). FTP remains widely used due to its simplicity and effectiveness, especially for applications requiring batch processing of files or integration with existing workflows. However, it is essential to implement security measures or use more secure alternatives when confidentiality is a priority.