An FTP client is a very helpful tool of web developer and designer to share files faster between computer and server. Not just a web engineer, even any one can use the tool after viewing some tutorials on the internet.
Here the question is “Which is the best FTP program I should use?”Actually, the most important qualities I believe are faster file transfer and security features. One of my favorite feature is “multiple FTP accounts” in client and it really saves my time of connecting different servers from one place.
Notepad++ is the best software for editing programming files and you make the editor default for your FTP client.
File transfer protocol also works on web browser and computer’s file explorer. Just paste the FTP address like “ftp://1.2.3.4” on the browser’s address bar and hit enter.
1. FileZilla – The free FTP solution
FileZilla, the open-source FTP client rank #1 in my list. It’s a free FTP solution that used by popular web developers and companies. FileZilla has a very simple interface that you’ll understand easily. FileZilla also has server client to make files available for others.
The client supports FTP, FTP over SSL/TLS (FTPS) and SSHFTP and runs on cross platform, including Windows, MAC, Linux and so on. If your transfer failed, the client will auto reconnect to the server and resume your transfer.
2. CrossFTP
CrossFTP is an another FTP client worked on cross platform. It’s free and even many hosting companies recommend the client to users. The CrossFTP’s interface looks similar as FileZilla and it displays the FTP commands in the main window just like FileZilla.
If you’re an Amazon S3 customer, CrossFTP is the best client for you. The client also lets you use the multi-tab feature to manage multiple server connections inside one window. Security features are very good and even some cool security options like Password Protection make my files more secure. While exploring server, you can also compress or extract archive files directly from the client.
3. SmartFTP
SmartFTP is only available for Windows platform users, and it use local Windows explorer interface. You can customize the interface with themes available on their website. SmartFTP supports file transfer via FTP, FTPS, SFTP, WebDAV, Amazon S3, Google Drive and OneDrive protocols.
While exploring images from the server, the thumbnail view feels like I’m exploring my local images. You can also schedule tasks, compare files, send custom commands, and more features are waiting for you.
4. FireFTP: Browser extension
FireFTP is a browser add-on for Mozilla Firefox. Firefox is a cross platform browser, so it’s easy to say FireFTP is a cross platform client. It supports file transfer via FTP, FTPS, and SFTP. From FireFTP, you can directly edit files to your computer’s editor just like above clients.
