ftp command in Linux

The Linux ftp command is a powerful tool for transferring files between a client and a server. It allows users to securely upload and download files, manage directories, and perform various operations on remote servers. By following the appropriate syntax and using the available options, users can easily connect to FTP servers, navigate through directories, transfer files in binary or ASCII mode, and manage remote files efficiently. Familiarizing yourself with the Linux ftp command can greatly enhance your file transfer capabilities and streamline your workflow.

ftp Syntax:

ftp [options] [hostname]

Linux ftp Options:

Option	Description
-v	Enable verbose output
-i	Disable interactive prompting
-n	Suppress auto-login
-d	Enable debugging
-g	Disable file name globbing
-k	Automatically use binary transfer mode
-s:filename	Read a configuration file for operation specifics

ftp Parameters:

Parameter	Description
hostname	The hostname or IP address of the FTP server to connect to

Caution

Exercise caution with the ftp command as it transfers data in clear text over the network, which can potentially be intercepted and read by unauthorized parties. Use secure alternatives like SFTP or FTPS for sensitive data transfers.

How to use ftp command:

Connect to a FTP server

ftp ftp.example.com

Establishes a connection to a FTP server named “ftp.example.com”.

Login to a FTP server with username and password

ftp ftp.example.com
user username password

Logs in to a FTP server named “ftp.example.com” with the provided username and password.

Display a list of files in the current directory

ls

Displays a list of files in the current directory on the FTP server.

Upload a file to the FTP server

put file.txt

Uploads a file named “file.txt” to the FTP server.

Download a file from the FTP server

get file.txt

Downloads a file named “file.txt” from the FTP server to the local machine.

Change the current directory on the FTP server

cd directory

Changes the current directory to “directory” on the FTP server.

Delete a file from the FTP server

delete file.txt

Deletes a file named “file.txt” from the FTP server.

Close the FTP connection

bye

Closes the connection to the FTP server and exits the FTP command line interface.

Tip

Always remember to ensure secure connections when using the ftp command by using SFTP instead of FTP, as FTP transmits data in plain text, making it vulnerable to interception.

How do I connect to an FTP server using ftp in Linux?

To connect to an FTP server using ftp in Linux, use the following command:

ftp example.com

How do I login to an FTP server with a specific username using ftp in Linux?

To login to an FTP server with a specific username using ftp in Linux, use the following command:

ftp example.com
Name: your_username
Password: your_password

How do I list files and directories on an FTP server using ftp in Linux?

To list files and directories on an FTP server using ftp in Linux, use the following command:

ftp> ls

How do I download a file from an FTP server using ftp in Linux?

To download a file from an FTP server using ftp in Linux, use the following command:

ftp> get filename

How do I upload a file to an FTP server using ftp in Linux?

To upload a file to an FTP server using ftp in Linux, use the following command:

ftp> put filename

How do I change directories on an FTP server using ftp in Linux?

To change directories on an FTP server using ftp in Linux, use the following command:

ftp> cd directory_name

How do I delete a file on an FTP server using ftp in Linux?

To delete a file on an FTP server using ftp in Linux, use the following command:

ftp> delete filename

How do I quit or exit from an FTP session in Linux using ftp?

To quit or exit from an FTP session in Linux using ftp, use the following command:

ftp> bye

How do I enable passive mode in ftp in Linux?

To enable passive mode in ftp in Linux, use the following command after connecting to the FTP server:

ftp> passive

Applications of the ftp command

• Connecting to an FTP server
• Transferring files between a local machine and an FTP server
• Uploading files to an FTP server
• Downloading files from an FTP server
• Managing files and directories on an FTP server