FTP Commands: A Comprehensive Guide to File Transfer Protocol

Master essential FTP (File Transfer Protocol) commands for efficient file management and transfer. This guide provides a detailed list of common commands, explaining their syntax and usage for both basic and advanced file operations. Learn how to effectively utilize FTP for network file transfers.

FTP Commands: A Comprehensive Guide to File Transfer

Introduction to FTP Commands

FTP (File Transfer Protocol) is used to transfer files between computers over a network. FTP commands allow you to interact with an FTP server to upload, download, and manage files. While graphical FTP clients make this easy, understanding the underlying commands is valuable for more advanced use.

Common FTP Commands

Here's a list of common FTP commands. Note that the exact syntax might vary slightly depending on the FTP client you're using.

Command	Description
`!`	Execute a command on the local operating system.
`?`	Get help on an FTP command.
`append`	Append data to an existing file on the server.
`ascii`	Set the transfer mode to ASCII (text files).
`binary`	Set the transfer mode to binary (non-text files).
`bell`	Ring the terminal bell after a command completes.
`bye`	Close the FTP session and exit.
`cd`	Change the current directory on the server.
`close`	Close the data connection to the server.
`dir` (or `ls`)	List the files and directories in the current server directory.
`delete`	Delete a file on the server.
`debug`	Turn debugging on or off.
`disconnect`	Close the connection to the server.
`ftp`	Open a new FTP session.
`get` (or `recv`)	Download a file from the server.
`hash`	Turn on/off the display of a "#" character for each data block transferred.
`help` (or `remotehelp`)	Display help information (local or remote).
`lcd`	Change the current directory on the local system.
`literal`	Send an arbitrary command to the server.
`mdelete`	Delete multiple files.
`mdir`	List the contents of multiple directories.
`mget`	Download multiple files.
`mkdir`	Create a new directory on the server.
`mls`	List files in multiple directories.
`mput`	Upload multiple files.
`open`	Establish a connection to an FTP server.
`put` (or `send`)	Upload a file to the server.
`pwd`	Print the current working directory on the server.
`quit`	Close the FTP session and exit.
`quote`	Send an arbitrary command to the server.
`rename`	Rename a file on the server.
`rmdir`	Remove a directory on the server.
`status`	Show the current status of the FTP session.
`type`	Set the file transfer type (ASCII or binary).
`user`	Specify the username for login.
`verbose`	Turn verbose mode on or off.

Conclusion

FTP commands provide a powerful way to interact with FTP servers. Understanding these commands enables efficient and effective file management and transfer over a network. Remember that FTP, by itself, is not secure, and SFTP is preferred for the transfer of sensitive data.