File Transfer Protocol (FTP) is a standard network protocol used to transfer files between a client and a server over a TCP/IP-based network, such as the internet. FTP allows users to upload and download files, manage directories, and modify file permissions remotely. It was one of the earliest protocols used for file transfers and is still widely used for website maintenance, data sharing, and software distribution. However, due to its lack of encryption, FTP is considered insecure, and more secure alternatives like FTPS (FTP Secure) and SFTP (Secure File Transfer Protocol) are often used for sensitive data transfers.