File Transfer Protocol |
FTP or File Transfer Protocol is used to transfer data from one
computer to another over the Internet, or through a network.
Specifically, FTP is a commonly used protocol for exchanging files over any
network that supports the TCP/IP protocol (such as the Internet or an intranet).
There are two computers involved in an FTP transfer: a server and a client. The
FTP server, running FTP server software, listens on the network for
connection requests from other computers. The client computer, running FTP
client software, initiates a connection to the server. Once connected, the
client can do a number of file manipulation operations such as uploading files
to the server, download files from the server, rename or delete files on the
server and so on. Any software company or individual programmer is able to
create FTP server or client software because the protocol is an open standard.
Virtually every computer platform supports the FTP protocol. This allows any
computer connected to a TCP/IP based network to manipulate files on another
computer on that network regardless of which operating systems are involved (if
the computers permit FTP access). There are many existing FTP client and server
programs. FTP servers can be set up anywhere between game servers, voice
servers, internet hosts, and other physical servers.
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