RFC 959 (rfc959) - Page 1 of 69
File Transfer Protocol
Alternative Format: Original Text Document
Network Working Group J. Postel
Request for Comments: 959 J. Reynolds
ISI
Obsoletes RFC: 765 (IEN 149) October 1985
FILE TRANSFER PROTOCOL (FTP)
Status of this Memo
This memo is the official specification of the File Transfer
Protocol (FTP). Distribution of this memo is unlimited.
The following new optional commands are included in this edition of
the specification:
CDUP (Change to Parent Directory), SMNT (Structure Mount), STOU
(Store Unique), RMD (Remove Directory), MKD (Make Directory), PWD
(Print Directory), and SYST (System).
Note that this specification is compatible with the previous edition.
1. INTRODUCTION
The objectives of FTP are 1) to promote sharing of files (computer
programs and/or data), 2) to encourage indirect or implicit (via
programs) use of remote computers, 3) to shield a user from
variations in file storage systems among hosts, and 4) to transfer
data reliably and efficiently. FTP, though usable directly by a user
at a terminal, is designed mainly for use by programs.
The attempt in this specification is to satisfy the diverse needs of
users of maxi-hosts, mini-hosts, personal workstations, and TACs,
with a simple, and easily implemented protocol design.
This paper assumes knowledge of the Transmission Control Protocol
(TCP) [2] and the Telnet Protocol [3]. These documents are contained
in the ARPA-Internet protocol handbook [1].
2. OVERVIEW
In this section, the history, the terminology, and the FTP model are
discussed. The terms defined in this section are only those that
have special significance in FTP. Some of the terminology is very
specific to the FTP model; some readers may wish to turn to the
section on the FTP model while reviewing the terminology.
Postel & Reynolds
