Use the `ftp` client to move files across networks and learn when to choose secure alternatives. 16.03.2026 | reading time: 3 min The `ftp` command is the historic, interactive client for the File Transfer Protocol, used to connect to remote servers, list directories and move files; it is simple and present on many systems. Try it to understand how plain-text FTP sessions work and why secure replacements exist. Hands-on session Example: connect, list, download and upload in one interactive session: ```$ ftp ftp.example.com Connected to ftp.example.com. 220 (vsFTPd 3.0.3) Name (ftp.example.com:user): anonymous 331 Please specify the password. Password: 230 Login successful. ftp> ls 200 PORT command successful 150 Here comes the directory listing. -rw-r--r-- 1 owner group 1024 Mar 10 12:00 README.txt 226 Transfer complete. ftp> binary 200 Type set to I. ftp> get README.txt local: README.txt remote: README.txt 150 Opening BINARY mode data connection. 226 Transfer complete. ftp> put upload.txt 150 Ok to send data. 226 Transfer complete. ftp> bye 221 Goodbye. ``` Practical knobs to know Switch modes with `binary` or `ascii` before transfers, toggle `prompt` to batch `mget` and `mput`, use `cd` and `ls` to navigate, and try `quote` to send raw FTP commands; enable passive mode behind NAT with the `passive` toggle. Remember: FTP control is on TCP port 21 and the protocol sends credentials in clear text, so avoid it for sensitive data. When FTP still fits FTP can be handy for anonymous mirrors, old appliances, or troubleshooting legacy systems where no secure option exists; but for any confidential transfer prefer `sftp` or `ftps`, and consider automating with `.netrc` carefully or with dedicated scripting and error handling. Related clients and tools Modern alternatives and helpers include `sftp` and `scp` for SSH-based transfers, `lftp` for robust scripting and mirroring features, and `curl` or `wget` for single-file non-interactive transfers and automation. Wrap-up and next steps Practice connecting, transferring and reading server responses to build intuition about network file transfers; then learn secure variants and automation to level up. Explore more LINUX topics and consider certification like CompTIA Linux+ or LPIC-1, using bitsandbytes.academy for intensive exam preparation. Join Bits & Bytes Academy First class LINUX exam preparation. network security utilities scripting
