{"id":7866,"date":"2018-11-19T13:26:45","date_gmt":"2018-11-19T12:26:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.biteno.com\/en\/?p=7866"},"modified":"2023-11-16T18:42:49","modified_gmt":"2023-11-16T17:42:49","slug":"ftp-and-its-use-for-wordpress-websites","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.biteno.com\/en\/ftp-and-its-use-for-wordpress-websites\/","title":{"rendered":"FTP and its use for WordPress Websites"},"content":{"rendered":"

FTP, which stands for File Transfer Protocol, used to be universally essential to web design.\u00a0 It offers developers an easy and efficient means of transferring files between computers<\/strong>, and though Content Management Systems (CMS) have decreased the need for FTP substantially, this method is still widely used by many designers.\u00a0 In fact, WordPress<\/a>, one of the most popular CMS platforms, still offers the ability to upload files via FTP, and with good reason.\u00a0It’s often necessary to use FTP to gain access to the WordPress file directory<\/strong>.\u00a0 When the platform’s backend is not accessible or faulty plugins<\/a> are affecting a site’s ability to run properly, developers may need to utilize this historically important access method.\u00a0 In fact, one of the most common reasons for using FTP for WordPress development is the need for troubleshooting<\/strong>.\u00a0 The ability to troubleshoot problems is essential to creating and managing a successful website<\/strong>. Designers don’t have to become experts in FTP in order to accomplish this goal, but they do need to have at least a basic understanding of how it works.<\/p>\n

FTP Login Credentials and Adding Websites<\/h2>\n
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Once set up, Fielzilla can be of good use for WordPress topics<\/p><\/div>\n

The first step that readers will need to take before beginning to use FTP to upload files is to download and install an FTP client<\/strong> such as FileZilla<\/a>, WinSCP<\/a>, or Cyberduck<\/a>.\u00a0 Since FileZilla<\/strong> is arguably the most widespread of these clients, this article will focus on using FileZilla for uploads.\u00a0 However, the basic concepts are roughly equivalent regardless of what FTP client readers are using.<\/p>\n

In order to use FTP software, readers must connect their websites to it using their FTP login credentials<\/strong>.\u00a0 These login credentials are transmitted via email upon signing up for a WordPress hosting account, but they can also be found in the hosting account’s<\/a> cPanel dashboard.\u00a0Already have login credentials handy?\u00a0 Adding a new site will be easy.\u00a0 Simply pull up the Site Manager<\/strong> through FileZilla’s File tab, then click on the New Site button<\/strong> and fill in all of the necessary information.\u00a0 The program will then save the site settings and open a new FTP connection to it.<\/p>\n

Uploading Files<\/h2>\n

Once a connection has been formed using appropriate FTP login credentials and basic website information, users will be directed to a list of files and folders<\/strong> under the Remote.site column.\u00a0 These files are already present on the website<\/strong>.\u00a0 Files on the user’s computer, on the other hand, will show up under the Local site section.\u00a0Once the desired file has been located, it can be uploaded by right-clicking on it and selecting the upload function from the drop-down menu.\u00a0 This process is fairly straightforward.\u00a0 It is, however, important to note that WordPress requires certain files and folders<\/strong> to be set to specific locations in order to function as intended.<\/p>\n

Uploading Manual Plugins<\/h2>\n

Let’s take a look at an example that illustrates the above-stated issue.\u00a0 In order to upload manual plugins, users must first download the plugins to their own computers and unzip<\/strong> the files.\u00a0 Next, look for the \/wp-content\/plugins\/<\/strong> folder in the Remote site column of FileZilla.\u00a0 This will allow users to upload plugins to their WordPress sites.\u00a0 Once the plugin has been uploaded, readers will need to visit the plugins page on WordPress itself to activate it<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Uploading Premium Themes<\/h2>\n

The process of uploading premium themes via FTP is similar to the one described above for plugins.\u00a0 Simply download and unzip the theme folder, then upload it to \/wp-content\/themes\/<\/strong> on the website.\u00a0 Simple, right?<\/p>\n

Downloading Files<\/h2>\n
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Download used files in an instance<\/p><\/div>\n

FTP isn’t just used to upload files to WordPress sites.\u00a0 It’s also useful for downloading files from websites for advanced editing<\/strong>.\u00a0 To download files, readers can right-click on the desired file, located under the Remote site column, and click download<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Backing Up WordPress Sites<\/h2>\n

FTP can also be used to backup<\/a> all of the files on a WordPress site.\u00a0 This can be accomplished by selecting all files and folders<\/strong> on the Remote site and downloading<\/strong> them onto the computer.\u00a0 Keep in mind, however, that this process only backs up the files themselves<\/strong> and does not include any content on the site. Users who want to back up their content<\/strong><\/a> as well will have to create manual backups of their databases<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Troubleshooting Common Problems<\/h2>\n
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FTP can help with WordPress troubleshooting<\/p><\/div>\n

There are several errors that occur with reasonable frequency when using FTP clients to upload pages to WordPress.\u00a0 These pertain primarily to connection issues<\/strong>. Read on to find out how to resolve two of the most common issues with FTP uploads<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Failure to Connect<\/h3>\n

Before panicking, be sure to double-check login credentials<\/strong>.\u00a0 If the information is definitely correct but users still can’t connect, they may have set their FTP clients to passive mode<\/strong>.\u00a0 Luckily, troubleshooting this problem in FileZilla is reasonably simple_<\/p>\n