FTP, which stands for File Transfer Protocol, is a standard network protocol used for transferring files between a client and a server over a network, typically the internet. It was developed in the early 1970s and remains widely used today, although it has been largely supplanted by more secure and efficient protocols for certain applications.

Here’s why people need FTP and its common uses:

1. File Transfer: As the name suggests, FTP is primarily used for transferring files from one location to another. It allows users to upload files from their local computer to a remote server or download files from a remote server to their local computer. This makes it a popular choice for web developers, content managers, and anyone who needs to move files between their computer and a web server.
2. Website Management: FTP is commonly used in website management to upload files and make changes to website content. Web developers use FTP to upload HTML, CSS, JavaScript, images, and other files to the web server, enabling them to update and maintain websites easily.
3. Large File Transfers: FTP is often used for transferring large files or batches of files that might be too cumbersome to send via email or other communication methods. It provides a reliable and efficient way to move substantial amounts of data.
4. Data Backup and Sharing: FTP can be used as a means of backing up important files to a remote server, providing an off-site storage solution for data security. Additionally, it enables individuals or organizations to share files securely with authorized users.
5. Software Updates: Software developers use FTP to distribute software updates and patches to users. Users can download the latest versions of software from the developers’ FTP servers.
6. Media Distribution: FTP has been historically used for media distribution, especially for downloading large multimedia files like videos, music, and images.

Despite its long-standing use and versatility, FTP has some security concerns. It transmits data in plain text, making it susceptible to eavesdropping and data interception. For this reason, many users have transitioned to more secure file transfer methods, such as SFTP (SSH File Transfer Protocol) and FTPS (FTP Secure), which provide encryption and better data protection.

In summary, FTP is used for transferring files between a client and a server, making it essential for website management, data backup, software distribution, and large file transfers. However, due to security concerns, many users have moved to more secure alternatives for sensitive data transfers.