gftp
Transfer files using FTP and related protocols
SYNOPSIS
gftp [options] [hostname]
PARAMETERS
-h, --help
Display help message and exit.
-v, --version
Display version information and exit.
-g, --geometry=GEOMETRY
Set the initial window geometry (e.g., 800x600).
-d, --debug
Enable debug mode (verbose output).
--no-xpm
Disable the use of XPM icons.
[hostname]
Connect to the specified hostname upon startup. Can include user and port information (e.g., user@host:port).
DESCRIPTION
gFTP is a free, open-source, multi-threaded FTP client for Linux and other Unix-like operating systems. It provides a graphical user interface (GUI) for connecting to FTP, FTPS (FTP over SSL), SSH, HTTP, HTTPS, and FSP servers. gFTP supports concurrent downloads, directory caching, FTP/HTTP proxy servers, file queuing, bookmarking, and drag-and-drop functionality, making it a user-friendly and efficient tool for transferring files over the internet.
While once a popular choice, gFTP is largely considered deprecated. Development has been stagnant for many years, and it may not be compatible with the latest security protocols or server configurations. Users are encouraged to consider alternatives like FileZilla or lftp, which offer more features and active maintenance. However, gFTP may still be functional for basic FTP tasks with older servers and systems. It supports simultaneous connections to multiple servers.
CAVEATS
gFTP is no longer actively developed and may have compatibility issues with modern FTP servers and security protocols. Consider using more actively maintained alternatives.
<I>SECURITY CONSIDERATIONS</I>
Due to its lack of recent updates, gFTP may be vulnerable to security exploits. Avoid using it with sensitive data or untrusted servers. Always prioritize secure protocols like FTPS or SFTP when possible, but even then, be aware of the potential risks associated with using an outdated client. It is highly recommended to upgrade to a more secure and actively maintained FTP client.
<I>ALTERNATIVE CLIENTS</I>
Modern alternatives like FileZilla, lftp, and command-line tools like `curl` or `wget` offer improved security, features, and active development. These alternatives support the latest encryption standards and protocols, ensuring safer and more reliable file transfers. Consider migrating to one of these clients for a better experience.
HISTORY
gFTP was created to provide a user-friendly, graphical FTP client for the Linux operating system. It became a popular choice due to its intuitive interface and multi-threaded download capabilities. The project saw active development for a number of years, but development has slowed down significantly and effectively ceased, leading to its eventual obsolescence. Initially written in C, it leveraged GTK+ for its GUI elements. At the height of its popularity, it was widely used across various Linux distributions.