Python FTP - File Transfer Protocol

File Transfer Protocol (FTP) in Python

The python ftp(File Transfer Protocol), an application layer protocol, is used to move files between local and distant file systems. Like HTTP, it operates on top of TCP. FTP uses two TCP connections a control connection and a data connection—in simultaneously to transfer files.

Each transfer requires a secondary connection via which the data is transferred via an FTP connection that keeps track of the current working directory and other flags. The majority of popular web browsers can access files stored on FTP servers.

ftplib Module in Python

The python ftp class and a few related concepts are defined in this module. The client-side of the FTP protocol is implemented by the FTP class. With this, you may create Python programmes that carry out a number of automatic FTP tasks, like mirroring other FTP servers.

We'll utilise DLPTEST, a test FTP server, and we'll use the following text file for all operations:

Let's examine implementation given below:

• import the ftplib module and enter all the required information:

• Now we will connect to the FTP server with the given credentials as stated above:

Program for Uploading File in the FTP Server

To upload a file in the python ftp server, we will use storbinary() method.

Syntax

Parameters

1. cmd: The FTP command we want to use.
2. fp: The file object. Usually acquired with the built-in feature open ().
3. blocksize: The biggest file that can be read and sent over the network. The 8192-byte default value.
4. callback: Callback procedure. If available, every blocksize bytes delivered triggers a call to this function.
5. rest: the section of the file where the upload should resume.

Return Type

A message indicating success, such as 226 Transfer complete, or failure, such as 553 Could not create file.

Code:

After that, we will use dir() method to get the list of directories.

Output:

Program for Downloading File in the FTP Server

To download a file in the FTP server, we will use retrbinary() method.

Syntax:

Parameters:

1. cmd: The FTP command that has to be used to get the file.
2. callback: The callback method is called once for each block of data that is downloaded from the FTP server. The received data can be processed using this callback function.
3. blocksize: number of bytes that can be read in total from the underlying socket connection
4. rest: a string literal that contains the offset position of the file where the FTP server should continue the transfer.

Code:

• At last, we have to close the FTP conection.

Output:

• Complete code for uploading the file in FTP server:

• Complete code for downloading the file in FTP server:

Advantages of Using FTP in Python

• There is some protection provided by python ftp servers.
• The user has some degree of control with an python ftp server.
• A user can send large files all at once using an FTP server.
• It enhances productivity.
• Recovery of data is possible.
• It contains a resumption feature, which permits file transfers even after a connection break.