Skip to Content

Glossary search

File Transfer Protocol

Relationships
Abbreviation Of: 
FTP
Abbreviation: 
FTP

n. (FTP, abbr.) ~ A standard (RFC 959) establishing rules for copying files from one system to another.

Notes: 

The FTP protocol negotiates the exchange of data between the systems and manages any differences in data structures on the systems. For example, FTP can move plain-ASCII text from a seven-bit to an eight-bit system without altering the content.

Citations:
†(FTP 1994, http://www.w3.org/Protocols/rfc959/1_Introduction.html) The objectives of FTP are 1) to promote sharing of files (computer programs and/or data), 2) to encourage indirect or implicit (via programs) use of remote computers, 3) to shield a user from variations in file storage systems among hosts, and 4) to transfer data reliably and efficiently. FTP, though usable directly by a user at a terminal, is designed mainly for use by programs.