📤FTP

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Also known as: File Transfer Protocol, SFTP

A standard network protocol for transferring files between systems over TCP/IP networks.

DESCRIPTION

FTP is an application-layer protocol that transfers files between clients and servers over TCP/IP. It predates widespread encryption and commonly operates in active or passive modes, which affects firewall configurations. Security is typically added via FTPS (TLS) or by using SFTP (SSH). Many modern use cases prefer secure alternatives, but FTP remains prevalent in legacy integrations and batch data exchanges.

ALTERNATIVE DEFINITIONS

Wikipedia

The File Transfer Protocol (FTP) is a standard communication protocol used for the transfer of computer files from a server to a client on a computer network.

Defines FTP as a standard communication protocol for file transfer.

Source

Cloudflare

FTP is a TCP/IP protocol that lets users copy files to and from a remote computer.

Highlights TCP/IP underpinnings and remote copying.

Source

IETF (RFC 959)

The objectives of FTP are to promote sharing of files (computer programs and/or data), to encourage indirect or implicit (via programs) use of remote computers, and to shield the user from variations in file storage systems among hosts.

States FTP’s objectives in the original standard.

Source

RELATED TERMS

TFTP SCP TCP Client-Server Firewall Passive Mode Authentication Data Encryption

COMPETING TERMS

FTPS

KNOWLEDGE AREAS

Data Integration & Interoperability Infrastructure Cloud Data Security Data Engineering

TARGET AUDIENCE

Data Engineer Software Developer DevOps Engineer Cloud Architect

EXTERNAL SOURCES

• Wikipedia - File Transfer Protocol
• IETF - Official FTP standard (RFC 959)
• Cloudflare - Modern overview and security context
• IBM Developer - Practical FTP usage and security

TOP QUESTIONS

Is FTP secure for data transfers?

Plain FTP is not secure; credentials and data are unencrypted. Use FTPS (TLS) or SFTP (SSH) for confidentiality and integrity.

Category: Risk

When should I use SFTP instead of FTP?

Choose SFTP when you require encryption, modern authentication, or compliance. It operates over SSH and is widely supported.

Category: Alternatives

What is passive mode in FTP?

Passive mode has the client initiate data connections, easing firewall traversal. It is recommended for clients behind NAT.

Category: Requirements

Why is FTP still used?

Legacy systems, simple batch transfers, and existing automation keep FTP alive. Migration costs can delay transitions to secure alternatives.

Category: Relevancy

What ports does FTP use?

Control connection uses TCP port 21 by default; data connections use dynamic ports depending on mode.

Category: Technology

How do FTPS and SFTP differ from FTP?

FTPS adds TLS encryption to FTP; SFTP is a different protocol over SSH. Both protect credentials and data.

Category: Comparison

What are common FTP integration pitfalls?

Firewall and passive mode issues, dropped connections, and unhandled retries are typical. Resume support and checksums help reliability.

Category: Mistakes

How can I verify file integrity over FTP?

Use checksums (e.g., SHA-256) or size and timestamp comparisons. Prefer secure protocols to avoid tampering risks.

Category: BestPractice

What replaces FTP for modern workflows?

HTTPS APIs, object storage presigned URLs, SFTP, and managed transfer services provide more secure, reliable alternatives.

Category: Alternatives