FTP (File Transfer Protocol) and SFTP (SSH File Transfer Protocol) are widely used protocols for uploading site files from your local computer to hosting or pulling them back. FTP was created in 1971, the oldest and most widespread. SFTP is newer β 1997, based on the SSH protocol. The main difference is security: FTP sends all data (including passwords) in clear text, while SFTP uses an encrypted channel. Today SFTP is the better choice.
FTP vs SFTP
FTP runs on port 21, SFTP on port 22. FTP sends passwords and file data in clear text, SFTP encrypted. FTP is often blocked by firewalls; SFTP runs over the SSH port (usually open). Speed-wise FTP is slightly faster (no encryption overhead), but security trumps speed. FTPS (FTP Secure) is FTP's encrypted variant, but setup is complex; SFTP is often more suitable.
Working with FileZilla
FileZilla β the most popular free FTP/SFTP client (Windows, macOS, Linux). Install: get it from filezilla-project.org. Create a connection: File β Site Manager β New site β label it "Sayt.uz hosting". Settings: Host (sftp://server.sayt.uz or IP address), Port (22 for SFTP, 21 for FTP), Protocol (SFTP - SSH File Transfer Protocol), Logon Type (Normal), User and Password (hosting account login and password).
After Connect the screen splits in two: left β your local files, right β hosting files (usually the public_html directory). Upload a file: select on the left and drag-and-drop to the right. Download: reverse.
Working with WinSCP
WinSCP β a popular SFTP client for Windows. Create a new session: New Session β File protocol (SFTP), Host name (server.sayt.uz), Port (22), User name and Password. After login a dual-pane interface β left is local, right is remote.
Sayt.uz practice
Sayt.uz hosting plans support both FTP and SFTP, but SFTP is recommended. Create an FTP user in cPanel: cPanel β FTP Accounts β Add FTP Account β username, password, directory (typically /public_html/), quota. Many clients use the main cPanel login and password (root-level access), which is risky β best practice is to create a separate FTP user per site. Tip: use SFTP, FTP is outdated and insecure; store passwords in an encrypted manager (Bitwarden, 1Password).