ftp
File Transfer Protocol client
TLDR
Connect to server
$ ftp [ftp.example.com]
Connect with username$ ftp [username]@[ftp.example.com]
Non-interactive mode$ ftp -n [ftp.example.com]
Download file$ ftp> get [remote_file] [local_file]
Upload file$ ftp> put [local_file] [remote_file]
SYNOPSIS
ftp [options] [host]
DESCRIPTION
ftp is the standard File Transfer Protocol client for transferring files between local and remote systems. It provides an interactive command interface for file operations.The client supports navigation, file listing, binary/ASCII transfer modes, and batch transfers. Passive mode helps with firewalls. The protocol transmits credentials in cleartext.ftp remains useful for accessing legacy systems and public FTP archives.
PARAMETERS
HOST
FTP server hostname or IP.-n
No auto-login.-i
No interactive prompts for multiple transfers.-v
Verbose mode.-p
Passive mode.get FILE
Download file.put FILE
Upload file.mget FILES
Download multiple files.--help
Display help information.
CONFIGURATION
~/.netrc
Stores FTP credentials for auto-login (format: machine host login user password pass).
INSTALL
sudo dnf install ftp
sudo apk add inetutils-ftp
sudo zypper install ftp
CAVEATS
Insecure - passwords sent in cleartext. Use SFTP or FTPS for sensitive data. Firewall issues with active mode.
HISTORY
ftp is one of the oldest Internet protocols, standardized in RFC 959 (1985). While largely replaced by secure alternatives, it remains widely deployed for anonymous file archives.