{{Short description|Transmission of computer files}} '''File transfer''' is the transmission of a computer file through a communication channel from one computer system to another. Typically, file transfer is mediated by a communications protocol. In the history of computing, numerous file transfer protocols have been designed for different contexts.
==Protocols== A file transfer protocol is a convention that describes how to transfer files between two computing endpoints. As well as the stream of bits from a file stored as a single unit in a file system, some may also send relevant metadata such as the filename, file size and timestamp – and even file-system permissions and file attributes.
Some examples: * FTP is an older cross-platform file transfer protocol<ref>{{cite web |last1=Prince |first1=Brian |title=Should Organizations Retire FTP for Security? |url=http://www.securityweek.com/should-organizations-retire-ftp-security |website=Security Week |date=24 January 2012 |access-date=14 September 2017}}</ref> * SSH File Transfer Protocol a file transfer protocol secured by the Secure Shell (SSH) protocol * Secure copy (''scp'') is based on the Secure Shell (SSH) protocol * HTTP can support file transfer * BitTorrent, Gnutella and other distributed file transfers systems use peer-to-peer * In Systems Network Architecture, LU 6.2 Connect:Direct and XCOM Data Transport are traditionally used to transfer files * Many instant messaging or LAN messenger systems support the ability to transfer files * Computers may transfer files to peripheral devices such as USB flash drives * Dial-up modems null modem links used XMODEM, YMODEM, ZMODEM and similar
==See also== * File sharing * Managed file transfer * Peer-to-peer file sharing * Pull technology * Push technology * Sideloading * WeTransfer * Smash
==References== {{reflist}}
{{Computer files}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:File transfer}} Category:Internet terminology Category:Network file transfer protocols
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