- The File Transfer Protocol (FTP) is a standard network protocol used for transferring files between a client and a server on a computer network, typically the internet. It enables users to upload files from their local computers to a remote server or download files from a server to their local systems. FTP operates on a client-server architecture where the client initiates a connection to the server, authenticates itself if required, and then can perform file operations using commands like upload (put), download (get), delete, rename, and more.
- The meaning of File Transfer Protocol (FTP) lies in its ability to facilitate the efficient and reliable transfer of files between computers over a network. It provides a structured set of commands and responses that govern how files are managed and exchanged. FTP supports various authentication methods for security, data transfer modes (like ASCII and binary) for handling different types of files, and can operate in active or passive mode depending on network configurations.
- Simple File Transfer Protocol (SFTP) is a lightweight alternative to FTP designed for simple and secure file transfers. Unlike FTP, which uses separate command and data channels and does not encrypt data by default, SFTP operates over a single secure channel using SSH (Secure Shell) protocol for authentication and encryption. It simplifies setup and configuration compared to traditional FTP, making it easier to implement and secure for transferring files between systems.
- TFTP, or Trivial File Transfer Protocol, is a simpler version of FTP commonly used for transferring files between network devices such as routers, switches, and printers that have limited memory and processing capabilities. TFTP operates over UDP (User Datagram Protocol) rather than TCP, which makes it faster but less reliable since UDP does not guarantee delivery of data packets. TFTP supports basic file transfer operations without the authentication and security features of FTP, making it suitable for lightweight applications where speed and simplicity are prioritized over robustness and security.