FTP is a protocol for transferring files over TCP/IP networks such as the Internet.

To transfer files, you need to connect to an FTP server with some FTP client software.

FTP can be used to transfer very large files, especially files that are too large to be sent via email. However, the need for a server to exchange files with someone else makes this less practical than email.

FTP is also commonly used to upload web pages and web applications to web sites. Most web servers also feature an FTP server.

Some commonly use FTP clients are:

  • Windows: FileZilla
  • Mac: CyberDuck, Transmit
  • Unix: ftp command