Abbreviation for File Transfer Protocol. It is a network protocol for transferring files over a network based on TCP (Transmission Control Protocol), for example over the Internet. It is most commonly used for uploading files to a hosting server. These uploaded files on the server can then be displayed on the Internet, for example as web pages, or shared with other users who have access to the FTP site.

Most users nowadays access FTP servers through special clients. Some of the best known and most used clients include:

• FileZilla
• FireFTP
• WinSCP
• SmartFTP
• Cyberduck

Users can also connect to FTP via the popular file manager Total Commander and its alternatives.