Home » Full Forms » Technology Full Forms

What is the full form of FTP?

Full form of FTP: Here, we are going to learn about the FTP, full form of FTP, overview, working of FTP, history, active and passive connection mode, etc. By Anushree Goswami Last updated : March 30, 2024

FTP: File Transfer Protocol

FTP is an abbreviation of the File Transfer Protocol. FTP is a standard network protocol used in transferring files between systems of computers from a client to the server over a TCP/IP network. It is assembled on a client-server architecture and a basis of the Application layer. The client commands the conversation, while the server transfers the content of the file. The starting of the conversation is held by a browser that acts as a client and by making some appeals on the server side it communicates over the network. A client can remove, download, delete, or upload files on a server through FTP.

Image source: http://www.rhyshaden.com/ftp.htm

FTP Working of FTP

As HTTP and SMTP works, FTPs working is also the same. By signing into the account, Users give authorization and authentication. Even though few servers operate as Anonymous FTP which shows that without logging in they give their data. The transferring of a file from a client to the server is called "Uploading" and transferring of a file from server to the client is called "Downloading". Therefore, it is commonly used to process uploading files to a server using the internet and to process downloading files from a server over the internet.

FTP Active and Passive Connection Mode

• FTP works in a passive and active both types of mode.
• In the case of active mode, the client instigates a request to the server and the server acknowledges back through connecting data and transmitting data.
• In the case of passive mode, to transmit information to the client, the command channel is used by the server. Passive mode operates proficiently across Firewall and Network Address Translation (NAT) gateways.
• In the present time, HTTP is almost entirely used over FTP; in contrast, FTP is still in process of use to send some files like in creating a website to download new applications, through web browsers.

FTP History

In 1971, on 16 April, FTP was prepared and issued as RFC 114. The first FTP features were written by Abhay Bhushan. In June 1980, RFC 765 took the place of RFC 114. The present ongoing feature is RFC 959. The first FTP applications were determined by the DOS command prompt. Afterward, numerous graphical user interface (GUI) clients have been created to enable the user to upload and download files with no difficulty.

FTP Commonly Used FTP Clients

FTP client is created and developed through software to send files between computers by the use of the internet.

Following are some FTP clients, which are given below,

• FileZilla: It is an in-demand FTP client, that is for Windows, Macintosh, and Linux users accessible free.
• FireFTP: For the popular Firefox web browser, it is a plug-in that can be used as a standalone FTP program.
• Dreamweaver: It is a program that is designed in which one of its specifications has FTP accessibility. From Adobe, It can be purchased.