What is the primary purpose of FTP?

The primary purpose of FTP, or File Transfer Protocol, is to facilitate the transfer of files between two remote hosts over a network. This protocol ensures that files can be uploaded or downloaded between a client and server, making it ideal for sharing documents, images, and other types of data. FTP operates using a client-server model, where the client initiates a connection to send or receive files from the server.

This functionality allows users to manage their files remotely, supporting both the retrieval of files from a server and the uploading of files to that server. FTP provides various commands for transferring various types of data and encompasses features like authentication, allowing only authorized users to access certain files. This makes it a fundamental tool in network infrastructures where file sharing is essential.