What Is a Browser-Based FTP Program?

Most browsers can replace HTTP with FTP and function as a basic file transfer protocol client.

FTP, or file transfer protocol, is a method for uploading and downloading files on the Internet. While you can use HTTP on a website to upload or download a single file, FTP is for managing multiple files. Most Web browsers can access FTP servers.

Function

A browser-based FTP program, or FTP client integrated into the browser, would make it so the user does not have to download extra software. FTP is an old protocol developed in the 1970s and is becoming less popular.

Types

The browsers Internet Explorer and Firefox both have a basic built-in FTP client. To access FTP servers from the browser, type the following into the address bar: ftp://username:[e-mail]. Firefox also supports add-ons which have FTP clients built for it. However, using an add-on means the FTP software still depends on the browser. Sites might also use a FTP client programmed in Java.

Considerations

If you want to use FTP a lot, consider using a non-browser-based FTP client, because a Web browser's primary goal is HTTP. Some free standalone FTP clients are FileZilla and WinSCP. FTP itself does not support encryption, so consider using FTPS, SFTP or SCP for managing your files security.

References

• Microsoft: File Transfer Protocol (FTP): Frequently Asked Questions
• WinSCP: Free SFTP and FTP client for Windows
• FileZilla: The Free FTP Solution
• Computer History Museum: Internet History - 1970's