How to FTP a Folder

FTP (file transfer protocol) is a method of transferring files over a network. The FTP server is a remote machine which you connect to using an FTP client. All operating systems come with an FTP client that you can access through the command line. The FTP command "mput" is used to transfer multiple files, such as the contents of a folder, to the FTP server. You must first create a new directory on the FTP server as there is no FTP command to upload folders directly.

Instructions

1. Open a terminal window on the Linux operating system or a command prompt window on the Windows operating system. To access a Windows command prompt window, click on "Start -> Accessories -> Command Prompt".

2. Navigate into the folder you want to upload on the local machine.

3. Type the command "ftp hostname" to connect to the FTP server. Replace "hostname" with the hostname or IP address of the remote computer.

4. Type the command "mkdir dir_name" to create a new directory on the remote computer.

5. Type the command "prompt" to turn off prompting. If you don't do this, you will be asked to confirm each file that is uploaded.

6. Type the command "mput *.*" to upload the contents of the folder to the FTP server.

Tips & Warnings

• You can also use graphical FTP programs such as FileZilla, WinSCP or CuteFTP (see Resources) to upload files.

References

• Dave Lozinski: The Basics of FTP

Resources

• Filezilla
• WinSCP
• CuteFTP