Free course

FTP Course

Learn how FTP uses control and data connections, how commands and replies work, why active and passive modes differ, and how to transfer files safely.

6 modules · 30 lessons · No signup

Prerequisites: Shell Commands

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What you'll learn

Read an FTP session, transfer files safely, diagnose active, passive, firewall, and TLS problems, and choose the right file-transfer protocol.

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Course contents

  1. How FTP works

    Understand the client, server, control connection, data connections, sessions, and reply codes.

    1. ✓ What FTP is
    2. ✓ Control and data connections
    3. ✓ FTP session state and roles
    4. ✓ Read FTP reply codes
    5. ✓ Check your understanding: how FTP works

  2. Commands and files

    Log in, navigate directories, list entries, download, upload, rename, and delete files.

    1. ✓ Connect and log in
    2. ✓ Navigate remote directories
    3. ✓ List files and metadata
    4. ✓ Download, upload, and change files
    5. ✓ Check your understanding: commands and files

  3. Active and passive FTP

    See who opens each data connection and why NAT, IPv6, and firewalls change the result.

    1. ✓ Active FTP
    2. ✓ Passive FTP
    3. ✓ EPRT and EPSV
    4. ✓ NAT, firewalls, and failed transfers
    5. ✓ Check your understanding: active and passive FTP

  4. Transfer behavior

    Choose transfer types, inspect metadata, resume safely, and avoid exposing partial uploads.

    1. ✓ ASCII and binary transfer types
    2. ✓ The lifecycle of one transfer
    3. ✓ Inspect size, time, and resume support
    4. ✓ Upload without exposing partial files
    5. ✓ Check your understanding: transfer behavior

  5. FTP security

    Understand plaintext risks, anonymous access, FTPS, certificate checks, and why SFTP is different.

    1. ✓ Plaintext FTP risks
    2. ✓ Anonymous FTP and bounce attacks
    3. ✓ Protect FTP with TLS
    4. ✓ FTPS is not SFTP
    5. ✓ Check your understanding: FTP security

  6. Use and troubleshoot FTP

    Use modern clients, diagnose common failures, automate carefully, and choose a better alternative when appropriate.

    1. ✓ Inspect FTP with curl
    2. ✓ Configure an FTP client deliberately
    3. ✓ Troubleshoot common FTP failures
    4. ✓ When FTP still fits
    5. ✓ Check your understanding: practical FTP