By Eddy R.
12-20-00

To a Web builder, knowing how to upload files to a server is just as important as knowing HTML. Since so many people join the Web builder ranks every day, I figured it would be a good idea to go over the basics - in tis case, how one goes about uploading files to a server.

Uploading

Uploading is the process by which one "transfers" files from a PC, Workstation, or Notebook to a Server. What's a server? Well, a server basically is a high-end computer that provides shared resources (files and directories, databases, etc.) to clients across a network. Web developers make use of Web servers - which are machines especifically designed for the purpose of hosting web sites.

The Process

The process of uploading to a server can be both simple and quite difficult. Uploading to a server can be difficult if one uses "tools" such as Telnet, that are command-based (like good old DOS) and have no GUI. Fortunately though, these days everything is geared to make things easy - that's where FTP software comes in.

Most Web builders use FTP software to upload their files to web servers because the upload process is made quite simple. To be able to upload files to a server, one must have FTP software installed in a PC with an internet connection. Once the FTP software is launched and a connection is established with the server, one can start uploading files on the server.

There are other ways to upload files to a server. For instance, one can use applets (and web forms) to accomplish the task, however FTP software provides more flexibility and robust features that no other tool or technique can offer.