📡 Introduction to FTP (File Transfer Protocol)

FTP is a standard protocol used to transfer files between a client and server. The ftp program is a command-line interface for this protocol, letting users upload, download, and manage files on remote servers.

🚀 Getting Started

ftp abc.xyz.edu

Use the above command to connect to a server. Log in using your credentials or:

• Username: anonymous
• Password: your email address

🔎 Basic Commands

ftp> help

Lists all available commands in the FTP session.

📂 Navigating Directories

ls                  # List remote files
cd [directory]      # Change remote directory
cd ..               # Go to parent directory
lcd [directory]     # Change local directory
pwd                 # Show current remote directory
  

🔄 Transfer Modes

ascii               # Use for text files
binary              # Use for binary files (images, zips, etc.)
  

⬇️ Downloading Files

get image1.jpg      # Download a single file
mget *.jpg          # Download multiple files
  

⬆️ Uploading Files

put image2.jpg      # Upload a single file
mput *.jpg          # Upload multiple files
  

🗑️ File Management

delete image.jpg    # Delete a remote file
mdelete *.jpg       # Delete multiple files
mkdir newfolder     # Create a remote directory
rmdir oldfolder     # Remove a remote directory
  

🖥️ Local Shell Commands

!ls                 # Run local system command

🔄 Automate Transfers

prompt              # Toggle confirmation for multiple transfers

❌ Ending the Session

quit                # Exit FTP session

⚙️ Command-Line Options

Option	Description
-p	Use passive mode (default)
-n	Disable auto-login
-i	Disable prompts for multiple file transfers
-e	Disable command editing
-g	Disable filename globbing
-v	Verbose mode: show all server replies
-d	Enable debug mode

🔧 Advanced FTP Commands (Quick Reference)

Command	Description
append	Append a local file to a remote file
bell	Ring a bell after each transfer
case	Convert UPPERCASE remote filenames to lowercase
chmod	Change file permissions on the remote server
dir	List directory contents with details
glob	Toggle wildcard expansion for file lists
macdef	Define a macro for batch commands
rename	Rename a file on the remote server
status	Show current FTP status
type	Show or set file transfer type
user	Change login user

❗ Aborting a File Transfer

To cancel a transfer, press Ctrl + C. For uploads, transfer stops immediately. For downloads, the remote server must support the ABOR command to stop quickly.

📛 File Naming Rules

• - as filename = use standard input/output
• |command = pipe to shell command (e.g., dir | more)
• Wildcard expansion follows shell rules (unless disabled)
• Remote or local file names may be altered by case, nmap, ntrans, or runique

📎 Summary

The FTP client is a powerful command-line tool for transferring and managing files remotely. With a mix of basic and advanced features, it remains useful for automated scripts, server maintenance, and managing legacy systems.