Which protocol is used for file transfer over the Internet?

The protocol specifically designed for file transfer over the Internet is File Transfer Protocol, commonly known as FTP. FTP enables users to upload and download files to and from servers easily, facilitating the exchange of files among clients and servers. It operates on a client-server architecture where the client requests files from the server using specific commands.

FTP has distinct features that make it suitable for file transfer, such as supporting both binary and ASCII file types, allowing large files to be transferred, and enabling multiple files to be sent simultaneously through various command sequences. This makes it a favored choice for web developers and others needing to manage files on remote servers.

In contrast, HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) is primarily used for transferring web pages and other resources over the web, while SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) is dedicated to sending emails. SSH (Secure Shell) provides secure remote access to servers and does not primarily focus on file transfer, although it can be used for secure data transfer in specific contexts. Therefore, FTP stands out as the appropriate protocol for dedicated file transfers.