What is FTP? How to Use It?

What is FTP? What Does It Do, How to Use It? Step-by-Step Comprehensive Guide

If you manage a website on the internet or exchange files with servers, you must have come across the concept of FTP (File Transfer Protocol). However, FTP is often seen only as a "file sending" tool, and the technical structure behind it, security measures, or advanced usage scenarios are ignored.

In this article, we will discuss all the details of what FTP is, what purposes it is used for, how it works, different connection types (FTP, FTPS, SFTP), security measures, and the most preferred FTP clients in a step-by-step, simple, and professional language.

What is FTP?

FTP (File Transfer Protocol) is a network protocol used to perform file transfer between two devices (usually a client and a server). Developed in 1971, this protocol is indispensable, especially for operations such as uploading, updating, and backing up files to web servers.

Thanks to the FTP connection:

You can upload files and folders to your website,
You can download files from the server,
You can edit file permissions,
You can manually back up your website.

⚙️ How Does FTP Work?

FTP works in a client-server model. That is, an FTP client (e.g., FileZilla) allows you to connect to a specific server and operate on the file system there.

Three basic pieces of information are required for connection:

Host (Server IP or domain name): E.g. ftp.example.com
Username and Password: An FTP account defined on the server
Port Number: Usually 21 for FTP, 990 for FTPS, 22 for SFTP

When the connection is established, file transfer takes place over two channels:

Control Channel (Command Channel): Connection management
Data Channel: File transfer is done

FTP Connection Types (FTP, FTPS, SFTP Comparison)

Connection Type	Encryption	Usage Area	Port
FTP	❌ None	General use (no longer recommended)	21
FTPS	✅ SSL/TLS	Secure FTP transfer	990
SFTP	✅ SSH	Server management + secure file transfer	22

Recommendation: For security reasons, only FTPS or SFTP should be preferred. FTP connections are unencrypted and can lead to the theft of sensitive data.

Most Common FTP Usage Areas

Uploading and editing website files
Transferring large media files to the server
Taking manual backups
Installing WordPress themes and plugins (especially in file-based operations)
Intervention in cases where cPanel is not accessible

Popular FTP Clients (FTP Programs)

1. FileZilla (Free and open source)

Both Windows and macOS support
FTPS/SFTP support, folder synchronization, fast connection

2. WinSCP (Recommended for Windows users)

SSH-based SFTP support
Command line and automation support

3. Cyberduck (Modern and simple)

Modern interface for macOS and Windows
Dropbox, Google Drive integration

4. Commander One / Transmit (Professional solutions for Mac users)

How to Establish an FTP Connection with FileZilla?

Download and install FileZilla from its official website.
Enter the following information in the connection bar at the top:
- Server: ftp.yourwebsite.com
- Username and password
- Port: 21 (FTP), 22 (SFTP), 990 (FTPS)
Click the "Quick Connect" button.
The left panel shows the files on your computer, and the right panel shows the files on the server. Just drag and drop.

️ Things to Consider When Using FTP

Use encryption: Protect your data using FTPS or SFTP.
Do not save your passwords: Enter them manually instead of automatic login in FTP programs.
Check file permissions: Open permissions such as chmod 777 create security vulnerabilities.
Do not delete files without taking a backup: A wrong operation can affect the entire site.

Alternative Methods: SFTP vs FTP

FTP is a classic protocol, but today SFTP (SSH File Transfer Protocol) is more secure because all data traffic is encrypted. In addition, SFTP provides an extra layer of security because it runs from the SSH port.

SFTP is preferred for advanced server administrators, while FTPS is sufficient for those who want simple and fast file transfer.

WHM/cPanel Settings Related to FTP

Through the WHM panel:

Pure-FTPd or ProFTPD can be selected as the FTP server type.
You can restrict FTP ports or add brute-force protection.

See: WHM FTP Server Selection Guide

Conclusion

FTP is one of the oldest but still most functional protocols of the internet. Knowing and using FTP correctly provides a great advantage in website management, backing up, and file transfer operations.

However, using FTP securely should be considered not only as establishing a connection but also with encryption, client selection, port security, and user management.

Although tools like FileZilla make it easy to establish an FTP connection, knowing the technical infrastructure is indispensable for protecting and optimizing your site.