Beginner’s Guide to FTP
FTP is a File Transfer Protocol. It is used to transfer files from a computer to another through a network such as the Internet. It can be used to edit and upload files to your site.Please note that for this tutorial I will be using FileZilla, so it might be different for whatever other FTP you’re using.
How to Log In
Before you log in you must have a domain or sub-domain. If you do, then the log in information will be given to you. Logging in is very simple. Here’s a basic diagram.
Uploading and Downloading Files
Uploading Files from your computer to your site is easy. On the right hand side are the files for your site. Choose a directory you want to upload your computer files to.
Now on the left hand side, right click on the file you want to upload and then select upload.
Then the file you chose from the left hand side will appear on the right, which means it has transferred successfully to your site.
The same goes for downloading, but just do the opposite sides.
Creating a New Page
Open up Notepad, Frontpage, whatever program you use for coding. I personally use Notepad for this. Type in all your codes and stuff. And then save it somewhere where you can find it again.
Save the file as .php, .html or whatever kind of page you want
Now open up and log into your FTP. Then upload the file to wherever you want it. Simple, no?
Editing Files / Pages
To edit a file, simply right click on the file and then select View / Edit
Then a screen will pop up with your file in a program (depending on which default program you set for opening your type of file). I use MS Notepad to open my PHP files so I’ll use that as an example.
After editing it, press save. File > Save or CTRL+S
A window will pop up asking you whether to upload this file back to the server, press OK.
Then after a few seconds another window will pop up, asking you if you want to overwrite the old file. Just check Overwrite and then press OK.
Changing the File Attributes (CHMOD)
CHMOD (abbreviation for Change Mode) is used for changing the file attributes to make the file writable, readable, etc. Sometimes if you’re trying to install something such as perhaps Cutenews. And it doesn’t work, then it will tell you to CHMOD the file / folder.Simply right click on the file or folder you would like the CHMOD.
A window will pop up, this is where you change the settings.
The numeric value part automatically changes the ticks. So if it tells you to CHMOD to 777 or something, then that’s where you type it. If not, you just manually tick and untick the voices to make it readable, writable or executable.
Once you’re done click OK, and it will update in a few seconds depending on your internet connection.
