FTP protocol (SFTP, FTPS) - what is it, connection between client and server via FTP. Guide to Free FTP Clients Ssh File Manager for Windows

18.12.2021

Nowadays, any PC connected to the Internet via any data transfer protocol requires protection. Today this is no longer an opinion - it is a rule, and not only the user’s convenience, but also his peace of mind and safety depend on its observance.

Moreover, this security must be ensured for all functions, all programs and all actions, even those that are not immediately clear at first glance. So even if the SCP and SFTP protocols, which, in turn, run on top of other protocols, SSH-1 and SSH-2, don’t tell you anything, then still remember - data needs protection. Windows client Winscp uses these protocols in secure file copying processes between the computer and servers that support these protocols. This is the main function of the Winscp program, but it is far from the only one.

The developer company provides the opportunity free download winscp in Russian. At the same time, as updates are released, the program in automatic mode will download and install them for free.

The program is positioned as easy to learn and secure file manager. A very convenient and simple tool when working with remote Linux- servers. Winscp allows you to fully work with files on the server - it performs the entire basic range of operations: deleting, editing and creating. Allows you to move and copy, create directories and shortcuts, and, of course, change properties (recursively change rights and owner).

Program interface:

Interface Winscp programs It is offered in two versions - whichever is more familiar to you. The first option is a timeless computer classic in the style of Norton Commander, aimed at that category of users who do not like mice, but agree with keyboards in half a word. Suitable for experienced and advanced administrators, as well as other specialists in the field of server administration.

Second option - modern style Internet Explorer , and is usually chosen by Windows OS connoisseurs or young administrators. Each interface option offers a wide range of different settings, and the choice in favor of one or the other is made when installing the software - which, however, does not negate the opportunity to change it later during use.

Winscp provides the user with a full range of tools for synchronizing directories in automatic or semi-automatic mode, and also has extensive capabilities of an integrated text editor, which can be replaced with any other. You can also use the command line for control, but scripts can significantly improve the control functionality - with their help, a number of operations can be performed automatically without constantly pestering the user with clarifying questions.

If the capabilities of scripts to solve the tasks are not enough, then the program developers suggest using the more advanced WinSCP.NET solution, which allows you to use such high-level programming languages as C# and VB.NET.
The program is equipped with a completely comprehensive helper file, which can be accessed using the About button; it opens links to help desk applications.

Initially, the program extended exclusively to English language, however, now this is no longer a problem, because on our website you can download Winscp for free in Russian. Although, it is possible to download the crack separately.

Additional features and capabilities of the program:

simple and intuitive interface, similar in appearance to the Windows file manager;
convenient sftp client for windows;
working with portable storage media;
export your own connection settings;
the ability to work not with the registry, but with the configuration file.

Attractive functionality and ease of use have made the WinSCP program popular, and to appreciate it personally, you just need to download and install it on your Windows computer.

Hello, dear readers of the blog site. The next step on the path to understanding the mechanism of information transfer on the Internet will be to study FTP, through which you can, among other things, work with any files on a remote server.

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Or use a more complex option if you are using a port other than 21:

Ftp://login:password@site:35/images/file-1.jpg

However, using a web browser in this context will only allow you to view or download the files of interest. In order to fully utilize all the advantages of FTP, you should use specialized software like Filezilla () as a client:

To connect through an already configured FileZilla client to a remote server, you must enter the name of the host, which is used as , corresponding to its domain ( and ), username, password and port.

By the way, the article about Filezilla provides not only standard information, but also practical advice to eliminate its security vulnerabilities (despite a bunch of advantages, it has problems of this kind, however, like other programs of a similar profile), so I strongly recommend reading this material by clicking on the link provided just above.

But let's continue. Schematically, the client-server interaction during an FTP connection can be visualized as follows:

If we describe this process point by point, we get something like this:

The user activates the client application and connects to the server by entering a username and password.
A control connection is established between the corresponding modules—protocol interpreters on the client and server sides.
The user, through the client, sends commands to the server that define various parameters of the FTP connection ( active or passive mode, port, type of data transfer, their type), as well as directives for actions that the user intends to carry out (for example, delete, rename, upload a file, etc.).
After all the necessary parameters have been set, one of the participants (for example, a client), which is passive, goes into standby mode for opening a connection to the port that is specified for transmitting information. The active participant then opens a connection and begins transmitting data over the designated channel.
Upon completion of the transfer, this connection is closed, but the control channel between the interpreters remains open, as a result of which the user can reopen the data transfer within the same session.

If the user is the administrator of a site that is located on a remote server, then after authentication and connection he is able to perform any possible actions.

However, there are quite a lot of free FTP servers on the Internet, which are essentially libraries of various kinds of files that are intended for storage and downloading text documents, music, photos, videos, software distributions, etc.

In this case, the registered user, after authorization, has a very limited access to certain directories and can only perform certain specified operations with their contents (for example, viewing and downloading files).

In addition to the standard connection to the server, which requires entering authentication data, there is concept of anonymous FTP, when any user can connect to the server without providing personal data. If you use a browser as a client, then the file access address can be simplified and presented like this:

Ftp://site/images/file-1.jpg

In practice, with anonymous FTP, the word “anonymous”, known on the network, is usually used as a login for access, and the address is used as a password Email, which, however, is not checked in most cases.

Secure FTP (SFTP, FTPS and using SSH)

This protocol was not originally intended to be secure, as it was developed back in 1971 and was initially used only in the APRANET research network, to which only a few military facilities and universities had access.

But with the development of the World Wide Web, the aforementioned APRANET became part of it, and, consequently, FTP technology migrated there, since it had many advantages. However, at the same time, the risk of unauthorized access has increased by several orders of magnitude.

Therefore, there is an urgent need to protect servers from various types of attacks. A regular FTP does not have the ability to transmit data in encrypted form, as a result of which user names, passwords, commands and other information can be easily and easily intercepted by attackers.

For this reason, several methods have been developed to encrypt information transmitted via FTP. Together, all these methods received a general and capacious name "Secure FTP". Here are the types of protocol that correspond to this term:

1. FTPS(FTP + SSL) - in fact, this is an extension of the standard file transfer protocol, which is provided with cryptographic SSL protocol(Secure Sockets Layer - level of secure sockets). Today, its more advanced analogue is TLS (Transport Layer Security). transport layer). There are two methods of providing security:

1.1. Implicit is obsolete and uses a standard protocol that requires SSL or TLS, which can provide encryption of information. With this method, it is necessary to use ports other than the usual ones, which creates inconvenience because it breaks the compatibility of clients and servers that do not support FTPS.

1.2. Explicit- much more convenient, since it uses the commands of the standard FTP protocol, but encrypts the information when sending a response, which allows you to maintain compatibility, since in this case the same ports are used for both FTPS and FTP. In this case, the client sends the “AUTH TLS” or “AUTH SSL” command to encrypt the data.

2. SFTP(SSH FTP) is an application layer protocol for file transfer that runs over a secure channel and should not be confused with the “Simple File Transfer Protocol”, which has the same acronym. If FTPS is simply an extension of FTP, then SFTP is a separate and in no way related to FTP protocol, which is equipped with SSH (Secure Shell).

The main thing that distinguishes it from standard FTP and FTPS is that SFTP encrypts absolutely all commands, usernames, passwords and other confidential information. Because this is a completely different configuration, FTP (FTPS) clients cannot connect to the SFTP server.

3. FTP over SSH— produces a regular FTP session through an SSH tunnel, that is, this option should not be confused with SFTP, which is a separate independent protocol. This method cannot be called 100% safe. Why?

The fact is that if several SSH clients establish a tunnel for a control channel, which is initially carried out through port 21 (and this situation is almost always observed), then this particular channel will be protected. When transferring data, the client software will open new TCP connections, which will no longer be under the influence of the SSH protective shell.

I hope you are not confused by all these secure protocol options. In order to somehow facilitate understanding, let me make a brief summary. Objectively, SFTP provides the highest degree of security. Explicit FTPS is slightly inferior in reliability, but it is more convenient because it allows you to use regular ports. Which one to choose depends on the type of task you are faced with and, of course, the server settings.

There are several ways to download and unzip a zipped file to FTP server. This may be required when installing CMS, restoring backup copy. Let's take a closer look at them.

Cross-platform SFTP clients.

FileZilla.

The program runs on Mac OS X, Windows, Linux and other operating systems. Uses FTP, FTPS and SFTP protocols. Translated into 47 languages, including Russian. Convenient and easy to use client.

Performs standard operations, resumes interrupted downloads and copes well with large files.
Supports IPv6, SOCKS5, FTP-Proxy and HTTP.
Site manager allows remote search and editing of files.
Allows you to configure the queue and download speed.
Ability to simultaneously view multiple directories, etc.

Virtual website hosting for popular CMS:

Cross-platform client localized into more than 20 languages. Designed as an add-on for Firefox. The functionality is similar to the previous program.

Performs standard operations.
Supports major data transfer protocols.
Hashes and checks documents for integrity.
Compares directories, compresses files, and much more.

Chrome sFTP Client.

Multi-platform client, installed as an add-on to Google Chrome. There is a Russian language. The capabilities are not inferior to other programs. Built-in powerful text editor with syntax highlighting and password manager. Suitable for those who are used to turning a browser into a universal harvester.

The program works under Windows, Linux and Mac OS. Free app It has extremely poor functionality and is absolutely not competitive: it does not support SFTP, proxies, synchronization, etc. Pro has all this, but you will have to pay 25-40 y.e. for it. The paid version is no different from its free counterparts.

Clients for Windows OS.

Graphical multilingual client, distributed free of charge. Offers a choice of two interfaces: like in Windows Explorer and classic in the style of Norton Commander. WinSCP can:

Upload and download files from the server.
Create, rename and delete files and folders.
Supports synchronization, several types of authorization: Kerberos, public key or by password.
Allows you to automate actions using scripts and command line.
The utility has a built-in text editor and a bunch of other useful things.

Available in two versions. The LE version is noticeably inferior in functionality to its competitors, but is free. Can download files from/to the server simultaneously, restore the connection when the connection is interrupted. CoreFTP Pro is equipped with a wagonload of additional goodies and costs 25 y.e.

Compresses, encrypts and decrypts files.
Increases download speed due to multi-layer downloads.
You can set up templates for repeatable tasks.
The client has Ping and TraceRoute utilities installed.
Unlimited tech. product support and much more.

Standard client. Able to work via HTTP/HTTPS protocols. Maybe everything is the same as other SFTP managers. There is no Russian localization, but the interface is simplified and intuitive. The computer does not load much, turns on and works quickly.

Gftp - client for Linux OS

A cross-platform utility, but more often used in Unix-like operating systems. Eat GUI, but it also works via the command line. Supports data transfer protocols: SFTP, HTTP, HTTPS, FTP, etc. Performs all standard operations with files and folders. Translated into many languages, including Russian.

Clients for MacOS.

Convenient program with a laconic interface. Supports standard protocols, can download, edit and upload files to the server. Work with cloud storage: Dropbox, Google Drive, etc. Copes well with large files and supports task automation. There is a password manager. Appearance customizable to taste.

Free program with a user-friendly interface and a minimum of functions and capabilities. Supports SFTP, uploads and downloads files. Synchronizes data and everything. Suitable for those who prefer to do without frills in their work.

AndFTP - SFTP client for android.

Works with protocols: FTP, SFTP and FTPS. Russified, has a built-in file manager, can open files different types: video, text, html, mp3, etc. Integrates with other applications. Supports work with multiple servers and allows you to configure permissions. Convenient and functional addition.

No matter how actively cloud technologies are promoted, storing files is traditionally, often easier and cheaper on FTP servers. In fact, FTP clients are the same necessary category software, just like regular file managers. Of course, we don’t have to talk about “newbies” here: there was and is an established selection of programs among both paid and free solutions.

This review will focus on free FTP clients, which are not so much well-known as they are “variegated”. The greatest attention will be paid to such aspects as protocol support, security, interface, as well as additional functions (synchronization, caching, search, and others).

FileZilla

FileZilla is a cross-platform, multilingual client that is easy to use, supports basic protocols such as FTP, SFTP, FTPS, etc., and has a convenient drag-and-drop interface, tab support, directory comparison, synchronization and remote search. The program is regularly updated, which indicates the active status of its development.

The graphical shell is really convenient - it is not overloaded, as is usually the case in programs of this kind, with many panels. At the top and bottom of the window are the Message Log and the Job Window; in the main part there is a two-column file manager. If the manager seems inconvenient to navigate, you can enable a tree list for local/remote file lists. Tabs are supported. This interface can be called almost classic for GUI FTP clients.

To quickly connect to the host, you can use the Quick Connection Panel; the transfer protocol is also indicated here, for example, sftp://hostname or ftps://hostname. But it’s more common to make a list of the necessary sources to connect to in the Site Manager. In the settings, again, you can change the protocol (FTP/SFTP), enter credentials, assign local and remote directories that open when connecting, change the type of file transfer (more options are provided in general settings programs). In the Site Manager, as well as in the main window, you can create bookmarks during navigation.

FileZilla has quite flexible data transfer management. Firstly, we mean a visual process of completing tasks, with the ability to pause (for files not exceeding the 4 GB limit). Secondly, the client supports synchronized browsing, directory comparison, filters, caching and, as already mentioned, remote search - standard and necessary functions for navigation.

HTTP/1.1, SOCKS 5, and FTP proxies are supported. Encryption is additionally available for the FTP protocol.

Summary

A simple client that will not satisfy the needs of a professional, but includes everything basic capabilities for working with FTP, SFTP, FTPS protocols.

[+] Documentation in Russian
[+] Simple and convenient interface
[+] Cross-platform
[−] No command line (server) support

FTPRush

FTPRush is a former paid client that joined the list of free ones relatively recently. Notable features include such functions as FXP - transferring files from one site to another “on the fly”, flexible interface configuration (in the tradition of panel MS Office 2000-2003), SSL/TLS/SFTP encryption, Z-compression during transfer .

The appearance can be customized more flexibly than FileZilla; just look in the “View” menu or open context menu any of the areas. The following is provided: dragging, turning on and off panels, buttons, setting column columns.

The connection manager has a lot of server settings in stock; SFTP is supported (and in the corresponding section there are options for setting up SSL), SSH, unsecured FTP, TFTP. You can specify a time zone, define local/remote directories, and add bookmarks. If you have several configurations, it is convenient to use global settings, eliminating the need to reconfigure several configurations. Exception lists, notifications, priorities and others are available Extra options. A number of options are presented related to connecting the program to the server and transferring files. There are several types of proxies to choose from, including SOCKS, and Z-compression settings. Not to mention setting up hotkeys and mouse actions.

The scheduler is accessible through the Task Window. Not to say that it is ideal in the current implementation, but it performs its functions and, in addition, allows you to specify a script or action from the list to be executed. To create scripts, use the designer, which is available in the “Tools” menu. Also in this section you can find a list of FTP commands. Remote search can be found in the FTP menu section.

Perhaps the only point of criticism is the very poor quality of the translation into Russian.

Summary

The result is a free product with the functions of a professional product.

[−] Poor interface translation
[+] Excellent functionality
[+] A large number of settings
[+] Support for secure protocols and encryption methods

WinSCP

WinSCP is a client with open source code, which works with the FTP, SFTP, SCP and FTPS protocols (protocol comparison table), supports scripting and command line.

One of the primary features is the ability to select an interface in one of two options - Explorer or Commander. In the first case, the result is an imitation of the Explorer panel (with remote mode access) with a left sidebar and accompanying hotkey scheme. If we talk about the second type of interface, then here, rather, analogies can be traced with Far Manager, MC, Norton Commander, while the keyboard shortcuts are also close to classic file managers.

Support for sessions, tabs, directory synchronization, source/destination file comparison are among other features. Many panels are customizable; you can pin/undock them or remove them through the View menu. However, WinSCP is at least a graphical client in the typical sense; here the device is somewhat different. The functionality will not impress an inexperienced user due to the fact that many options are hidden in the command mode - in the menu you can find access to the Putty utility, the command line and other special tools for working with the above protocols.

The stated support for scripts will be useful when automating data transfer or scheduling tasks (which will be of interest to experienced users). Enough detailed instructions on scheduling jobs in Windows via the command line in the guide.

As for FTP, the functionality is quite mediocre, and, moreover, there is no FXP function, which in FTPRush, for example, is listed as almost the main one. However, FXP is not supported on every server.

On the page with translations you can find partial Russification (80% complete).

Summary

The client is intended for an audience of experienced users who primarily work with the SFTP, SCP and FTPS protocols using a terminal.

[+] Control via console
[+] Flexible configuration of SFTP, SCP and FTPS
[+] Good automation capabilities

Cyberduck is not a typical product in the FTP client niche, since it is primarily positioned as a “file browser” for Windows platforms and Mac OS. FTP, SFTP, WebDAV, Cloud Files, Google Drive, Google Storage and Amazon S3 protocols are supported.

When launched, the program prompts you to import hosts from FileZilla, and the specified addresses will be bookmarked. The program uses a single-panel mode, which in this case is not optimal for a desktop client and only causes inconvenience. To upload files, you need to open a separate window, and similarly to view the job queue. To change access rights, you need to go to the “Access Rights” tab of the “Info” section. All standard operations related to working with FTP are collected in the “Action” menu. In the program you can see a search window, but, as it turned out, this is a kind of filter by name, but not a search by file.

If the program cannot be noted for the convenience of the FTP mode, then perhaps someone will be attracted by some additional functions, including support for storage cloud services, such as Google Drive or Amazon S3. Fine settings for integration with services was not found. To export documents from Google Docs, you can choose the file format; in the case of Amazon, encryption settings, etc. Regarding functionality, again, nothing can be said in defense of Cyberduck: for example, a simple operation like assigning access rights to Google Drive much more intuitive in the original interface. The use of an inconvenient alternative here seems questionable.

In general, due to its very simple interface, Cyberduck cannot be called the optimal client for working with the above services. However, as a file manager for viewing documents, it is quite suitable. One can only hope that the developers will improve the functionality in one of the directions - either working with FTP or supporting cloud services.

Summary

Despite support for FTP, SFTP and other protocols, Cyberduck is only suitable for uploading or downloading files, viewing documents on the service Google Docs and others simple operations. That is, the most basic work with the declared protocols and services is provided.

[+] Unified interface
[−] Few settings
[−] Inconvenient file manager
[−] poor support for cloud services

CoreFTP LE

This file manager is notable for supporting the protocols SFTP, SSL, TLS, FTPS, IDN, command line mode, FXP, and several types of proxies. LE is a free lightweight version of the client, PRO contains many additional features such as file encryption, zip archiving, synchronization and .

The CoreFTP LE shell has an "old school" feel to it. And, although the layout of the panels is quite intuitive, for comfortable work you need to reconfigure everything. You can use the Reset View command to change the display mode: for example, move the logs up, remove unnecessary panels, etc.

If we talk about the possibilities when working with FTP, standard features CoreFTP includes creating tasks for several sites, recursive operations with files (uploading, downloading and deleting). Multithreading is not available in the LE version, however, a considerable number of options are open in the “Connections” section. In the Transfers section you can enable compression - in the LE version, however, not all options are available.

The site manager is very flexible in configuration; the number of protocols and options provided for SSH, SSL/TSL are pleasing. Security settings can be found in "Advanced File Settings". Proxies are not forgotten, FTP Proxy/HTTP 1.1/SOCKS are available in the list. For advanced users, the “Script/Cmds” section will be of interest, although, apparently, the command mode here is presented more modestly than in WinSCP, and there is no terminal.

Summary

FTP client with a traditional interface and good functionality for the free version, with a large number of settings regarding security, data transfer, and connection.

[−] No scheduler
[−] Outdated interface
[+] Good functionality
[+] Advanced SSH, SSL/TSL and proxy settings

BitKinex

The list of features indicated on the BitKinex website comes down to the convenience of the user environment, however, if you pay attention to other aspects, the bottom line is support for the FTP, FXP, FTPS, SFTP, HTTP, HTPS, WebDAV protocols, FXP and Indirect Transfers (FTP) functions ->SFTP, WebDAV->FTPS, HTTP->FTP, etc.). Other possibilities are listed on the page. It follows from them that BitKinex can also be used to create mirrors, as a download manager - that is, a very versatile client.

To create a connection, the “Quick Connect” setup wizard is used, which, however, can be skipped by going to the “Control Window” window. Data sources for various protocols are collected here, each of which can be carefully configured. All sources are grouped by protocol type.

Operations with files on the server are performed in another window - the “Browse Window”, which opens when connecting to the source. This window presents a standard two-column manager. In the main area there are local and remote sources, on the left there is a list of hosts, at the bottom there is a list of tasks and a log.

Possible integration with Windows Explorer, dragging between windows is supported, and, most interestingly, drag & drop of data between protocols. Many operations with files and folders are available, such as comparing, blocking, changing CHMOD access rights and other operations. The program supports command line mode. Additional features worth noting are synchronization and mirroring.

Summary

A universal manager for a wide range of protocols, with its own interesting ideology, flexible settings. Will be of interest to users who work with multiple sources, experienced webmasters and system administrators.

[+] Excellent functionality
[+] Convenient grouping of sources
[−] Insufficiently intuitive interface

CoffeeCup is known for its simple, “casual” programs, and the Free FTP client is no exception. The word “easy” is often used when describing features. However, not only the FTP protocol is supported, but also SFTP and FTPS, which made it possible to include this client in the review.

To create a connection, you need to go to “Manage Servers”, where your S-Drive account has already been established. The program quite intrusively “recommends” connecting this service; it cannot be removed from the site manager.

It is obvious that the CoffeeCup Free FTP client is aimed at working with static sites, since it has a built-in editor with auto-completion, code folding, highlighting and other amenities. Alas, it is only available in the paid version and at the same time takes up half work area programs and a separate settings section. It can be easily removed from view by switching to FTP View mode.

There are few basic options, especially regarding secure protocols. In principle, it is logical that a novice user would rather prefer the insecure and more familiar FTP. The settings also contain proxy parameters, although you cannot select the connection type, you can only add server(s) to the list. One of the notable features is the built-in ZIP archiver. Strangely enough, there was also a place for the PuTTY client here - a “spare” in case CoffeeCup Free FTP is used by experienced users?

Summary

The CoffeeCup client is extremely easy to use because the functionality does not allow you to get confused. Perhaps it will be useful for novice webmasters who need to edit HTML files on the server, or during the period of familiarization with web technologies.

[+] The client is easy to learn
[−] S-Drive obsessiveness
[−] Lack of search, synchronization and directory comparison
[−] Built-in text editor

Pivot table

	FileZilla	FTPRush	WinSCP		CoreFTP LE	BitKinex
Developer	Tim Kosse	FTPRush	WinSCP		CoreFTP LE	BitKinex
License	Freeware (GPL)	Freeware	Freeware (GPL)	Freeware (GPL)	Freeware	Freeware	Freeware
Platforms	Windows, Linux, Mac OSX	Windows 2000+	Windows 2000+	Windows, Mac OSX	Windows	Windows XP+	Windows XP+
Protocols	FTP, SFTP, FTPS	FTP, SFTP, TFTP+	FTP, SFTP, SCP, FTPS	FTP, SFTP, WebDAV, Cloud Files, Google Drive, Google Storage, Amazon S3	SFTP, SSL, TLS, FTPS, IDN	FTP, FTPS, SFTP, HTTP, HTPS, WebDAV+	FTP, SFTP, FTPS
Console	−	+	+	−	+	+	+
Proxy	FTP, HTTP, SOCKS	FTP, HTTP, SOCKS+	FTP, HTTP, SOCKS, Telnet+	systemic	FTP, HTTP, SOCKS	FTP, HTTP, SOCKS	+
Remote search	+	+	+	−	+	+	−
Synchronization	+	+	+	+	+	+	−
Directory Content Comparison	+	+	+	−	+	+	−

Free SSH client for secure access to FTP servers via the secure SFTP protocol.

This application allows two-way transfer and synchronization of files on a local PC and a remote server.

At the same time, WinSCP supports not only the simple FTP protocol, but also the secure (SFTP) and also somewhat outdated today (used mostly for accessing UNIX servers) SCP.

In terms of its capabilities, WinSCP is practically not inferior to the paid FTP client CuteFTP Professional:

Comparison of SSH client WinSCP with paid analogue CuteFTP

The main disadvantage of WinSCP is that it does not support scheduling. Otherwise, the program is quite convenient and provides good tools for everyday work with FTP.

Installing WinSCP

WinSCP comes in two flavors:

portable;
and with the installer.

For the portable version to work, just unpack the entire contents of the archive and run the executable exe file. True, then it will be in English.

To Russify the program, we take out the file from our archive WinSCP.ru and place it in the folder where WinSCP was unpacked.

1. After launching the installer, the first window to appear will be to select the program language. By default, Russian will already be indicated there, so just click “OK”.

2. In the next window we will be greeted by the Installation Wizard. There’s nothing complicated here either, just click “Next”.

Click "OK" and now we have a complete, ready-made connection!

All that remains is to “Login” to the server. We press the appropriate button and receive a warning.

Cache(English cache) - a quick-access buffer for storing frequently used data.

Authentication- confirmation of rights to access the system.

If you connect to a reliable server (for example, your website), then simply click “Yes” so that the program remembers this key and saves it in its cache.

Otherwise, click "No".

Authentication on the server will begin and the program will ask for a password (if we did not save it in the program for security reasons).

Enter the password and click "OK".

If we haven’t made a mistake anywhere, the main WinSCP window will open in front of us.

WinSCP interface

As we chose during installation, the program will have a two-panel interface, reminiscent of a classic file manager.

In the left panel our local computer, and on the right is a folder on the server with the site stored in it.

Transferring files can be done either by simply dragging them from one panel to the second, or through the context menu and using “hot keys”, generally accepted for such programs:

F5 - copy;
F6 - move;
Delete - delete, etc.

For example, let's copy the file readme.html from server to computer. We grab it with the mouse in the right panel and drag it to the left.

Before the first copying, the program will clarify whether we really want to do this?

This is to prevent accidental damage. important files. If you are confident enough in your actions, you can disable this request by checking the “Do not show this window again” checkbox before clicking “OK”.

If such a file already exists in the destination folder, another window with a question will appear.

By the way, if you need to copy or replace several files, then in order not to answer “Yes” for each, you can use the down arrow to the right of this button and select the “Yes for all” option, or hold down the Shift key before pressing “Yes”.

But here you need to be even more careful so as not to accidentally overwrite the new file with the old one. And then the “Don’t ask again” checkbox is ticked – it’s better never to check it again.

WinSCP Settings

If you accidentally checked the above checkbox, you can always disable it in the "Settings" - "Settings" - "Appearance" - "Confirm" menu the following actions" - "Overwriting files."

As you can see, here you can customize anything, from notifications to design style.

If the “native” settings do not suit you for some reason, here you can always adjust the program to suit you.

Filters in WinSCP

Let's return to the main window and see how else you can simplify your work with SFTP in WinSCP.

For example, when updating a website via FTP, you often have to download and upload to the server many files with a certain extension. These could be pictures in PNG format or some js files with scripts.

When their number exceeds a hundred, working without filtering functions becomes quite dull.

In this case, the easiest way is to use the "Filter" function, the button of which looks like a funnel above each panel.

Click on it and in the window that opens, enter a mask to select the required files.

As a result, we get in the desired panel only those files that are interesting to us.

You can learn about file filtering rules by clicking the “examples of masks” link under the filter line:

The "*" symbol replaces any number of printed characters.
"?" replaces a single character (one letter or number).
Masks are separated by a comma or semicolon, etc.

Using a filter, you can significantly speed up your work with files, regardless of their number.

Directory comparison

Using the comparison tool, you can highlight different files in both panels.

The comparison is based on name, size and update date.

Directory synchronization

The next tool - “Server folder synchronization” - allows you to configure automatic FTP server monitoring of the selected local folder and copying all new files from it:

If you do not trust automation, WinSCP allows you to synchronize manually.

To do this, simply click the following button - “Synchronize the local directory and the directory on the server.”

Script commands

Like many advanced FTP clients, WinSCP claims to support script commands.

They are implemented:

PuTTY- free client for various remote access protocols.

via the built-in command line, also called Console or Terminal;
or an added PuTTY module.

Let's see how this works using a command line example. Click the "Open Terminal" button and read the warning.

Click "OK" and get into the Console window, where you can enter your commands in the top field and get the result in the bottom.

Advantages and disadvantages of WinSCP

convenient and simple interface;
support for secure file transfer protocols;
the ability to filter files by masks;
automated file synchronization;
Extensive customization options.

slight slowdowns with very large lists of files (more than 1000 in one folder);
no task scheduler.

conclusions

It’s no wonder that WinSCP has won the favor of thousands of users around the world. This small SSH client allows you to perform tasks that are often only possible with much more powerful and cumbersome (and most importantly paid) counterparts.

At the same time, it works quite quickly even on old PCs. And if we add here the ability to work from a USB drive, then we get the ideal tool for supporting your own website at any time and anywhere!

Afterword

If you have your own website, then you have probably thought more than once about how to optimize the work of loading various content onto it.

Today, many hosting providers provide us with special web interfaces called admin panels. Their advantage is that working with files on a remote server does not require any additional applications- all operations can be performed directly in the browser window.

However, almost all admin panels provide only basic functionality. For example, they do not support simultaneous downloading of multiple files and require you to manually select each subsequent file. I'm not even talking about synchronization functions, etc.

Therefore, to fully work with files on remote servers, a special protocol was created - FTP. Despite the fact that it is more than 40 years old, the file transfer protocol is still quite popular today.

In addition to the already mentioned use of this protocol in working with websites, FTP is often used to distribute various kinds of applications and even operating systems(for example, some operating systems of the Linux family).

Modern browsers allow you to open file storages based on the FTP protocol and download files from there, but to be able to download content yourself remote servers requires special applications - FTP clients.

There are quite a lot of both paid and free FTP clients, however, based on the specifics of our site, today we reviewed one of the best free SSH clients - WinSCP.

P.S. Permission is granted to freely copy and quote this article, provided that an open active link to the source is indicated and the authorship of Ruslan Tertyshny is preserved.