What does FTP stand for?

Question

What does FTP stand for?

1. A. Folder Text Protocol
2. B. File Transfer Push
3. C. Fixed Terminology Placement
4. D. File Transfer Protocol (Correct answer)

Correct Answer

Option D — File Transfer Protocol

Detailed Solution & Explanation

The correct answer is File Transfer Protocol.

Key Points

• FTP stands for File Transfer Protocol, used to transfer files between a client and a server over a network.
• It typically uses port 21 for control commands and port 20 for data.
• Because standard FTP sends credentials unencrypted, the secure variants FTPS and SFTP are preferred.
• The other options are not recognised computing terms.

Additional Information

• FTP is unusual in using two ports: port 21 for control commands and port 20 for the data transfer itself.
• Like Telnet, it sends credentials unencrypted, so secure variants are preferred in practice:
  • SFTP — file transfer tunnelled over SSH, on port 22
  • FTPS — FTP with an added TLS/SSL layer
• FTP supports anonymous access, historically used for public file archives — a detail that occasionally appears as a distractor.