- FTP programs provide web developers a robust way to directly connect to a server through the file transfer protocol. FTP programs offer a higher level of compliance and connection options compared to other methods of FTP data transfer. For example, some standards-compliant web browsers are able to connect to online servers via FTP. However, their connection limits are rudimentary at best and often lack full connection options (such as non-passive FTP transfer). Without FTP programs, the transfer of data via this protocol would be significantly hampered.
- All FTP programs connect to their specified network server through the transmission control protocol (TCP), a networking protocol used in companionship with the commonly-found IP protocol. However, there are three types of connections that FTP programs may utilize: Active FTP mode, passive FTP mode and extended passive FTP mode. While some web-browsers can use passive FTP mode, the other two connection types are typically the sole territory of FTP programs. In active FTP mode, the FTP program forges a dynamic connection with a server port and creates a direct network from the FTP server to the FTP program. Passive mode requires the FTP server to send a PSV signal to the FTP program, while extended passive mode does not communicate the individual FTP program's IP address but merely communicates the wished-for port number. Additionally, some FTP servers may allow FTP programs to connect via an anonymous protocol that does not identify the client computer requesting a connection.
- The Internet Engineering Task Force published memo entitled "Request For Comments" outlines the intended benefits of the file transfer protocol and the use of FTP programs. These benefits include the ability to promote sharing of computer software, data and images; the indirect use of remote computers via remote networking; the shielding of the use from the wide variety of file storage systems available on differing computer servers; and the ability to transfer online data quickly, efficiently and as reliably as possible.
- While FTP programs are widely used for the transfer of information, various security and computer protocol considerations should be taken into account. Widely-versed criticisms of the FTP networking protocol include criticism of the fact that FTP programs fail to modify file names in accordance to offline standards and completely overwrite data with the latest transfer date. Similarly, FTP servers do not check data for corruption after receiving it from the FTP program. Finally, FTP programs require a direct connection between the local computer's ports and the FTP server, which could be a potential security risk.
- FTP programs are a very insecure method of sending and receiving network data due to their limited ability to encrypt computer data being sent through their ports. Passwords, computer user names and other sensitive information can be easily intercepted by interested parties as they are being communicated by the FTP program. Thus, such sensitive information should never be sent using an FTP program.
