File transfer is the transmission of a computer file through a communication channel from one computer system to another. Typically, file transfer is mediated by a communications protocol. In the history of computing, numerous file transfer protocols have been designed for different contexts.

Protocols

A file transfer protocol is a convention that describes how to transfer files between two computing endpoints. As well as the stream of bits from a file stored as a single unit in a file system, some may also send relevant metadata such as the filename, file size and timestamp – and even file-system permissions and file attributes.

Some examples:

• FTP is an older cross-platform file transfer protocol^[1]
• SSH File Transfer Protocol a file transfer protocol secured by the Secure Shell (SSH) protocol
• Secure copy (scp) is based on the Secure Shell (SSH) protocol
• HTTP can support file transfer
• BitTorrent, Gnutella and other distributed file transfers systems use peer-to-peer
• In Systems Network Architecture, LU 6.2 Connect:Direct and XCOM Data Transport are traditionally used to transfer files
• Many instant messaging or LAN messenger systems support the ability to transfer files
• Computers may transfer files to peripheral devices such as USB flash drives
• Dial-up modems null modem links used XMODEM, YMODEM, ZMODEM and similar