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For high-speed file transfers that exceed simply uploading or downloading a few small files, a reliable FTP client or application is unmatched.
Fortunately, many highly capable FTP apps are available, with FileZilla being the most prominent and popular, almost synonymous with FTP transfers.
What is Filezilla?
FileZilla is an FTP application consisting of FileZilla Server and FileZilla Client. The FileZilla Client is available for Windows, Linux, and Mac OS X, while FileZilla Server is only available for Windows. The FileZilla Client supports FTP, SFTP, and FTPS, but SFTP (SSH File Transfer Protocol) support, which can be used to share folders over a network, is not implemented in FileZilla Server. FileZilla began as a computer science class project in January 2001 by Tim Kosse and two classmates.
FileZilla Features
- Easy to use
- Supports FTP, FTP over SSL/TLS (FTPS), and SSH File Transfer Protocol (SFTP)
- Cross-platform compatibility: runs on Windows, Linux, *BSD, Mac OS X, and more
- IPv6 support
- Available in many languages
- Supports resume and transfer of large files over 4GB
- Tabbed user interface
- Powerful Site Manager and transfer queue
- Bookmarks
- Drag & drop support
- Configurable transfer speed limits
- Filename filters
- Directory comparison
- Network configuration wizard
- Remote file editing
- Keep-alive functionality
- HTTP/1.1, SOCKS5, and FTP-Proxy support
- Logging to file
- Synchronized directory browsing
- Remote file search
Connecting to an FTP Server using FileZilla
There are two ways to connect to an FTP server in FileZilla:
Using the Quick Connect bar
The first method to connect to an FTP server is by using the Quick Connect bar. In this method, you enter the server details in the required fields, including the hostname, username, password, and port, then click the Quickconnect button. This will connect you to the server. The quick connection list retains the last 10 entries but does not allow for editing or storing server names. For storing FTP server names, use the Site Manager.
Using Site Manager
The Site Manager allows you to connect to an FTP server with more functionality. It enables you to store entries and configure more parameters than the Quick Connect bar.
Navigating on the server
After connecting to the server, a list of files and directories will appear on the right side of the main window. The name of the current remote directory is displayed in the edit field at the top. Below that is the remote directory tree, and under it is a list of the contents of the current remote directory.
You can change the current remote directory using any of the following methods:
- Type a directory name into the edit field and press Enter.
- Click a directory in the directory tree.
- Double-click a directory in the list of current directory contents.
Synchronized Browsing
If your local computer has an identical directory structure to the server, you can enable synchronized browsing. This will ensure that any directory navigation on one machine is replicated on the other.
Directory Comparison
The Directory Comparison feature is used to compare the contents of the local machine and the server. To enable Directory Comparison, go to View > Directory Comparison and choose either “compare file size” or “compare modification time.” You can also hide identical files by selecting that option. Then, click on “Enable.” You will now see color-coded differences between copies of the same file on different machines.
Transferring files
Now let’s see how to transfer files using FileZilla. You can upload and download a file by double-clicking on it. This will automatically add the file to the transfer queue, and the transfer will occur once there is an item in the queue. To transfer multiple files or directories, select the items, right-click on them, and choose the Upload/Download option. You can also use the drag and drop feature to transfer files. Simply click on the item you want to transfer and drag it to the desired directory. This provides an alternative method for transferring files.
FileZilla uses multiple FTP sessions. One session is dedicated to browsing, while another is used for transferring files. This allows you to continue browsing directories even while a download or upload is in progress.
FAQ’s
What is FileZilla?
FileZilla is a popular FTP application that includes both a client and a server component. The FileZilla Client is compatible with Windows, Linux, and Mac OS X, while the FileZilla Server is available exclusively for Windows. It supports FTP, FTPS (FTP over SSL/TLS), and SFTP (SSH File Transfer Protocol).
What are the key features of FileZilla?
FileZilla is known for its ease of use and extensive feature set, including support for FTP, FTPS, and SFTP protocols, cross-platform compatibility, IPv6 support, resume and transfer of large files, tabbed user interface, powerful Site Manager, bookmarks, drag and drop support, configurable transfer speed limits, directory comparison, and more.
How do you connect to an FTP server using FileZilla?
There are two main methods to connect to an FTP server in FileZilla:
- Quick Connect bar: Enter the server details (hostname, username, password, port) and click Quickconnect.
- Site Manager: Store server entries with advanced configurations for easy management and connection.
How can I navigate the server directory in FileZilla?
After connecting to the server, you can navigate directories by typing a directory name in the edit field, clicking directories in the tree view, or double-clicking directories in the content list.
What is synchronized browsing in FileZilla?
Synchronized browsing allows users to mirror directory navigation between their local computer and the server, ideal for managing identical directory structures.
How does Directory Comparison work in FileZilla?
Directory Comparison helps users compare files between the local machine and the server by size or modification time, displaying differences in a color-coded format for easy identification.
How do you transfer files using FileZilla?
File transfers in FileZilla can be initiated by double-clicking files for automatic queueing or by selecting multiple items and choosing the Upload/Download option. Drag and drop functionality is also supported for intuitive file transfers.
Can I browse directories while transferring files in FileZilla?
Yes, FileZilla uses separate FTP sessions for browsing and file transfer, allowing simultaneous directory navigation and file transfers without interruption.
Conclusion
FileZilla is a versatile FTP application renowned for its user-friendly interface and comprehensive features. Supporting FTP, FTPS, and SFTP, it ensures secure and efficient file transfers across various platforms. With tools like synchronized browsing and directory comparison, FileZilla remains a reliable choice for both beginners and seasoned users since its inception in 2001.
