How to Upload Web Files to Databases

File Transfer Protocol (FTP) client programs are commonly used by Web developers and bloggers to upload Web files to their Internet servers. These files could be picture images that need to be inserted into an article or important display PHP files that help users navigate a toolbar. Either way, you must first obtain an FTP client, and then you can begin uploading files to your Web database.

Difficulty: Moderately EasyInstructionsThings You'll Need:FTP client program1

Download and install a reputable FTP client, if you don't already have one. These client programs effectively transfer files between two separate locations; in this case, you will need the program to transfer your files to a website database. Some of the more popular and better-quality FTP clients include the Windows-only WinSCP, the all-platform FileZilla and the Mac-only Cyberduck. Each program is free to download.

2

Open your FTP client and connect to your remote website. All good FTP clients will have a connection box where you must enter your website's domain name---or IP address---and your hosting account username and password. Click on the "Quickconnect" or "Connect" button (depending on the client), and the program will automatically access your Web file database.

3

Look at the two sides of the dashboard. Nearly all FTP clients are divided into two obvious sides: the left side is your local PC database (the files on your computer) while the right side is your Web database (any file that is associated and stored to your domain address). Use the left-side file explorer to locate the file, folder or files that you need to transfer.

4

Locate the Web database folder to which you need your files to transfer. Do this by using the right-side file explorer and navigating the various "+" directories. For example, if you are uploading a Wordpress theme to a Wordpress-hosted website, the plugin needs to go in the "themes" folder. Find the folder by using the "public_html" and "wp-content" folder route.

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Click and drag the file, files or folder into the Web directory on the right-hand side. The FTP client will automatically begin transferring the files. View the transfer progress with the live-transfer dialog box on the dashboard. When the files have finished uploading, you can either transfer more files or disconnect from the Web database. Disconnect by pressing the "Disconnect" button on the client dashboard.

Tips & WarningsSome FTP clients (e.g. FileZilla) will record your last-used domain connection. Simply press the "Quickconnect" button to access your website database without filling in the user data all over again. References Indiana University: What is FTP, and How do I Use it to Transfer FIles? Siteground: FTP Client Tutorial Siteground: FileZilla Tutorial ResourcesWinSCP: Free SFTP and FTP ClientFileZilla: Free FTP SolutionCyberduck: Open Source FTP Homepage