# FTP: what it is and how it works · Zorraquino
> FTP is a protocol for transferring files between a client and a server, now often replaced by encrypted versions such as SFTP or FTPS.
URL: https://www.zorraquino.com/en/dictionary/internet/file-transfer-protocol.html

# FTP

FTP (File Transfer Protocol) is a network protocol for transferring files between a client computer and a server

What it means, how it is used and where it comes up, with its related concepts.

[The whole glossary](https://www.zorraquino.com/en/dictionary)

## What it is and how it works

For years it was the usual way to upload a website’s files to its hosting, either with a client application or through the file manager in the hosting control panel. Classic FTP sends credentials and data unencrypted, so secure alternatives such as SFTP (which runs over SSH) or FTPS (FTP with TLS encryption) are now recommended.

The major browsers dropped FTP support around 2021, and many projects now publish through version control and automated deployments. Even so, FTP is still found in shared hosting and in file exchanges between systems.

Also known as

File Transfer Protocol

Topics

[Technology and data](https://www.zorraquino.com/en/dictionary/category/tecnologia-y-datos)

## Related concepts

- [Anonymous FTP](https://www.zorraquino.com/en/dictionary/internet/file-transfer-protocol-anonymous.html)
- [Hosting](https://www.zorraquino.com/en/dictionary/internet/hosting.html)
- [Server](https://www.zorraquino.com/en/dictionary/internet/server.html)