Yep. I know it. FTP is not the sexiest part of building your website using WordPress. And even though WordPress is simple to install with only a few clicks, sometimes you will need to upload files directly to your hosting service’s computer. This computer is called your FTP Host, server, or simply, your host. Why do you need to use FTP? A few common reasons are:
You might have to put a special code in the header or footer to prove ownership of your site.
You may want to put Google Analytics code into your website’s HTML code so you can track your site’s performance.
You may want to customize your WordPress Theme…
When you need to upload or download files directly between connected computers on a network, you need a FTP File Manager (File Transfer Protocol).
FTP is a necessary basic skill for anyone who has a website. Using a FTP client, you’re able to move files from your computer to the FTP server (the remote computer at your hosting service) and vice-versa. An FTP file manager allows you to view both your own computer's hard drive, and the FTP server.
You drag the files back and forth depending on whether you want to upload or download the files you have altered. WordPress has made using FTP less common, but you will occasionally need to know how to use this skill.
Most web hosts have FTP built into their cPanel. Using cPanel from the dashboard of your web host is an easy way to move files. Sometimes though, you’ll want to use a separate, simple file-moving system called FTP (File Transfer Protocol).
There are many free FTP programs available. Google “FTP Clients” and you get 9,610,000 results. My recommendation is the number one SERP (Search Engine Results Page)… The open source FTP client, Filezilla. Easy to use and free. https://filezilla-project.org/index.php
Use the tutorial and forums for your FTP software. Search Google or YouTube to learn more about how to use FTP. It’s essential. It’s a snap to use. In no time, moving files around will become second nature for you.
FTP | FAQ
What is my FTP address?
Your FTP Address is either your domain name or IP address.
What Do I have to do to login to my FTP File Manager?
Normally, there are three fields to fill in and one to verify. These are usually at the top of the page.
Host: The IP address or domain name (no www) for your site.
Username: FTP Username (your web host will give you a username and password if you need it.
Password: FTP password
Port: Verify the FTP port is 21. This should auto-complete, but if not, enter 21 as the port number.
OK. I’m logged in. What am I looking at?
When you are logged in, the left pane lists the files on your local computer. The right pane shows the files stored at your host. You can navigate through either directory normally, like on any computer. You create and delete folders and files from the FTP screen.
To transfer files, simply move your selection from the left pane to the right pane to upload it to your server. To download files, drag what you need from the right side to the left side. The File Transfer happens on its own from there one. Pretty simple, right?
FTP | Geek Definition:
File Transfer Protocol (FTP) is a standard network protocol used to exchange and manipulate files over an Internet Protocol computer network, such as the Internet. FTP is built on a client-server architecture and utilizes separate control and data connections between the client and server applications.
Client applications were originally interactive command-line tools with a standardized command syntax, but graphical user interfaces have been developed for all desktop operating systems in use today. FTP is also often used as an application component to automatically transfer files for program internal functions. FTP can be used with user-based password authentication or with anonymous user access. – From Wikipedia – Read the complete entry.
This post is part of a series about Building a Website on WordPress. Other parts of the series are available here.
