FTP, short for File Transfer Protocol, is a standard network protocol that is used to transfer files between computers on the Internet. FTP can be used for various purposes, such as uploading or downloading files to or from a web server, backing up or restoring web site files, or transferring large files that are too big to be sent by email. FTP can be accessed using various FTP clients or FTP software, and can require authentication, such as username and password, to ensure security and privacy. FTP can be complemented with other protocols, such as SFTP or FTPS, to enhance the security and encryption of file transfers.