The FTP protocol

FTP protocol enters the standards of the Internet and is used to transfer large amounts of information.The first specification, which was the data transfer protocol, appeared in 1971.Since that time, it features FTP expanded considerably and is difficult to imagine how users would be able to do without it if they needed to download or upload in the online store several gigabytes of files you need.And how much time would be spent to move the site from the local machine to the server, or vice versa?Of course, you can use the archiver, but what if the server does not support this feature?It is terrible to imagine.So FTP - it's quite a useful tool.

term "protocol" means the agreed format of exchange of information between two devices.And the abbreviation stands for «file transfer protocol», which can be translated as "the protocol for file transfer."For information transfer protocol FTP uses TCP-channel.Sharing is built on the principle of "client-server".Send confidential information on this protocol can not be, because there is no data protection and to the server in clear text.Of course, usually to connect to the FTP-server need to be authenticated, but it does not cost too much to hope, as the user ID and password is transmitted in clear text.

FTP-protocol is used to communicate with the FTP-sites that represent a huge store of useful and interesting information.The files on the FTP-site located in a tree structure of directories in the same way as the local computer.In order to view the contents of the repository, you can use any browser, but better, of course, to use a specially created for this program.Customers who prefer to work with command-line operating system can use the «ftp».

Some FTP-sites have restrictions on access to their resources.Sometimes, in order to go to them, you must know the login and password of the registered user.Most of the FTP-sites allow you to download files without entering the password.But to record their data on such resources is not possible.

How to use the protocol FTP , if your OS is Windows

If you prefer Linux, you can read the documentation available for transactions by typing $ man ftp.In order to connect to the FTP-server, you need to dial $ ftp yoursite.at.domain.The most commonly used commands are:

  • binary - mode change on the transfer of binary (non-text) files, such as images;
  • ascii - switching to the transmission of text information;
  • cd foldername - change the current directory on the remote computer to incoming him a folder named foldername;
  • dir - to view all the files in the current directory of the remote computer;
  • help - help using the commands;
  • mget - simultaneous download of several files;
  • put filename - to upload to the remote resource is a local file filename;
  • mput - Upload to remote resource multiple files;
  • exit - Closes the FTP and access to the OS.

You can also use programs such as gFTP, FOFF and FileZilla.

How to use the protocol FTP , if you prefer Windows

In this case, it's much easier, and you can use any FTP-client, which is easy to find online.From the most popular free applications such as FileZilla, FTPInfo, WinSCP.Connecting via FTP and can support such popular file managers like Total Commander and FAR manager.So, if you are not so frequently use this protocol, it is possible to do them.

Well, if you took a one-time fee to download something, you can dial in the browser instead of the URL about this command:

ftp: // user: [email protected]: port, where

site.at.domain - name server,

port - port number to connect (typically 21, and may be skipped).

If you want to connect to an anonymous FTP, use the shorthand commands:

ftp: //host.at.domain: port

It so happens that when you connect via FTP there is any problem.In this case, it makes sense to check the settings and antivirus FireWall.