FTP (File Transfer Protocol) is a standard network protocol used to transfer files between a client and a server over the internet. It's a fundamental tool for managing your website's files, allowing you to upload, download, rename, delete, and organize content directly on your hosting account.

To use FTP, you need two things:

• An FTP Client: Software on your computer (like FileZilla, Cyberduck, or WinSCP).
• Connection Credentials: Provided by your hosting provider. These include:
  • Host/Server Address (e.g., ftp.yourdomain.com)
  • Username
  • Password
  • Port Number (usually 21 for standard FTP, 22 for SFTP).

Once connected, your FTP client displays two panels: your local files (on your computer) and the remote server files. You can simply drag and drop files between them. For enhanced security, always use SFTP (SSH File Transfer Protocol) or FTPS (FTP Secure), which encrypt the connection, protecting your data and login details.

FTP is essential for tasks like uploading WordPress core files, installing themes/plugins manually, backing up your site, or fixing issues when you can't access your site's admin panel. It gives you direct, powerful control over your website's structure.

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