File transfer protocol (FTP) is a standard network protocol used for transferring files between a client and a server over a TCP/IP-based network, such as the internet. FTP enables users to upload, download, and manage files on remote servers. It operates on a client-server model, where the client initiates the connection and the server responds, providing access to its file system. FTP supports both anonymous and authenticated access, with various levels of user permissions. While effective for moving large files, FTP lacks encryption, making it less secure compared to modern file transfer protocols like SFTP or FTPS.