What Is Ftp?
FTP is the special protocol that is used to transfer files from the web developers computer to the web hosting server. It stands for File Transfer Protocol. It is the service that is used to make direct connection from one computer to another and transfer files. You cannot perform any other operation while transferring files using FTP. FTP can be used to transfer files between computer accounts, an account and a desktop computer or to access online archives.
Components of FTP:
FTP Server: The first aspect to FTP is the FTP server. This generally runs on the web server. This makes it easier for you to get the files to your hosting account. Web Servers normally run on a specific port. This port is 21 by default, but can be set to any other port if needed. The FTP server can be accessed with a user name and password. Sometimes it can be set up in such a way that anyone can access the server without a user name and password. However, most of the times this is not the case due to security reasons.
FTP Client: The second component of FTP is the FTP Client. It is a software that runs on your computer to access the FTP Server. This kind of software is very basic in its function. It only asks for the server address, user name, password and port. The transfer of files becomes simple once you are connected to the server using the FTP Client. You can just copy and paste or drag and drop files onto the server from your system.
Accessing FTP Sites:
You can use a web browser to access and connect to an FTP site. When you need to browse through large directories or FTP sites, using a web browser for FTP transfers will be easier than an FTP Client. However, this method can be slower and unreliable. That is why FTP Clients are preferred over web browsers.
Setting up an FTP Account:
The first step to setting up an FTP account is to download and install your FTP client on the computer. After this, you need to set up your FTP Account. The account details are provided by the web hosting service provider when you get a web hosting account. Setting up your account includes entering your FTP Host name, username and password and port number. Once this is done you can transfer files from your computer to your website.
On most clients, the files and folders on the computer are displayed on the left and the files and folders on the server are displayed on the right. Go to the folder where you want to upload your files, drag and drop files from your computer onto this folder.
Components of FTP:
FTP Server: The first aspect to FTP is the FTP server. This generally runs on the web server. This makes it easier for you to get the files to your hosting account. Web Servers normally run on a specific port. This port is 21 by default, but can be set to any other port if needed. The FTP server can be accessed with a user name and password. Sometimes it can be set up in such a way that anyone can access the server without a user name and password. However, most of the times this is not the case due to security reasons.
FTP Client: The second component of FTP is the FTP Client. It is a software that runs on your computer to access the FTP Server. This kind of software is very basic in its function. It only asks for the server address, user name, password and port. The transfer of files becomes simple once you are connected to the server using the FTP Client. You can just copy and paste or drag and drop files onto the server from your system.
Accessing FTP Sites:
You can use a web browser to access and connect to an FTP site. When you need to browse through large directories or FTP sites, using a web browser for FTP transfers will be easier than an FTP Client. However, this method can be slower and unreliable. That is why FTP Clients are preferred over web browsers.
Setting up an FTP Account:
The first step to setting up an FTP account is to download and install your FTP client on the computer. After this, you need to set up your FTP Account. The account details are provided by the web hosting service provider when you get a web hosting account. Setting up your account includes entering your FTP Host name, username and password and port number. Once this is done you can transfer files from your computer to your website.
On most clients, the files and folders on the computer are displayed on the left and the files and folders on the server are displayed on the right. Go to the folder where you want to upload your files, drag and drop files from your computer onto this folder.
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