Web FTP or Online FTP refers to manipulating and operating files over the FTP protocol in an online environment. More precisely, when it’s done in a web browser, rather than a dedicated desktop FTP client. This approach has several advantages. For example, if you are on the road and don’t have access to your own computer, you can still access all your website files from any PC with a web browser. You’ll have some limits in functionality but it’s still a very useful option to have.
How Does Web FTP Work?
The online Web FTP applications usually look and feel like their desktop counterparts. They’re kind of constrained in terms of the user interface because after all, they run in the browser. In every other aspect, the Web FTP clients use and work by the same principles as any desktop client. All of them are using the standard FTP protocol and will work well with most hosting companies. Some of the desktop FTP clients may have more advanced functionality that’s not available in the web FTP programs. For a quick upload or a file modification on the go though, they do the job perfectly well. Read on to find out about the pros and the cons of both solutions.
Web FTP vs. Desktop Clients
Unlike the full-fledged desktop FTP client software like FileZilla etc., most free web FTP clients lack in security options. For example, some of them don’t support SFTP or any other security/encryption protocol. This may not be a deal-breaker for you but it’s not a good idea to use it for your company website. If you have to manipulate confidential files it’s best to look into a more secure solution than a web FTP one. On the other hand, web FTP applications give you flexibility in the sense that you don’t have to worry about bringing your own machine, or what operating system and software the one you’ll be using on the road has.