What does the acronym FTP stand for, and what is its purpose?

The acronym FTP stands for File Transfer Protocol. Its primary purpose is to facilitate the transfer of files over a network, particularly the internet. FTP enables users to upload and download files between their computer and a server, providing a reliable method for file sharing. It operates on a client-server model where the client initiates a connection to the server, allowing for various operations such as file downloading, uploading, and management.

Unlike some other protocols, FTP is specifically designed for transferring files efficiently and can handle large files and bulk uploads/downloads effectively. It uses a set of commands and responses to communicate between the client and the server, ensuring that the files are transferred accurately. This makes it a crucial tool in web development, data backup, and system administration, among other areas in IT.