gftp
Transfer files using FTP and related protocols
SYNOPSIS
gftp [OPTION]... [HOST]
PARAMETERS
-v, --verbose
Enable verbose output for debugging
-g, --gui=TYPE
Specify GUI type: gtk1 or gtk2
-h, --host=HOSTNAME
Connect to specified hostname
-u, --username=USER
Use specified username for login
-p, --pass=PASSWORD
Use specified password (insecure)
-P, --port=PORT
Connect to specified TCP port
-t, --type=PROTOCOL
Protocol: ftp, http, https, sftp
-l, --local-dir=DIR
Set local directory
-r, --remote-dir=DIR
Set remote directory
--anonymous
Login as anonymous user
--ask-pass
Prompt for password interactively
--help
Display usage summary
--version
Show version information
DESCRIPTION
gFTP is a full-featured, multi-platform graphical FTP client for Linux/Unix systems, built with the GTK+ toolkit. It supports FTP, FTPS (FTP over SSL), HTTP, HTTPS, and SFTP (SSH File Transfer Protocol), enabling secure and versatile file transfers.
Key features include a dual-pane interface for local and remote directories, drag-and-drop support, bookmark management, queue-based transfers with progress monitoring, master/slave mode for handling multiple connections simultaneously, and extensive customization via config files or GUI dialogs. It handles passive/active modes, proxy servers, and filters for file listings.
Though primarily GUI-driven, command-line invocation allows quick connections by specifying hosts, credentials, and directories. Ideal for users preferring graphical tools over CLI alternatives like lftp. Available in GTK1 (gftp-gtk1) and GTK2 (gftp-gtk2) variants for compatibility with older systems.
CAVEATS
Requires X11/Wayland display server; GTK2 variant preferred on modern systems.
Password on CLI is insecure (visible in process list). No longer actively maintained; consider modern alternatives like FileZilla.
MODES
Supports active, passive, and EPSV transfer modes; configurable via ~/.gftprc.
CONFIG
Settings stored in ~/.gftp/gftp.conf; supports bookmarks and site profiles.
HISTORY
Developed by Brian Masney starting in 1997 as a GTK+1.2 FTP client. Evolved to support multiple protocols and GTK2 by early 2000s. Widely used in pre-desktop era; peaked in popularity around 2005. Last stable release ~2.0.19 (2006), with minor ports thereafter. Source available on SourceForge.
