FTP / SFTP package

Use the FTP / SFTP package to automate FTP / SFTP operations.

An FTP/SFTP server hosts the files to share. The client accesses, downloads, or uploads files to the server. The transfer of data between the client and server is done using a TCP/IP network, which is the standard protocol of communication over the internet.
  • The following are some forms of authentication for an FTP server:
    • User credentials: Requires an FTP username and password.
    • Anonymous: This form of authentication is enabled on sites where files are available for public access and the users need not identify themselves to the server.
    • Key-based: SFTP authentication is usually done with a private and public key. The key pair is automatically generated by the computer. The private key is kept with the SFTP client and the corresponding public key with the SFTP server. When establishing a connection, the client shares the private key to be matched with the corresponding public key on the server.
  • FTP can run in active or passive transfer mode.
    • In the active mode, the client informs the server about the port used for listening and starts listening for incoming data connections from the server.
    • In the passive mode, the client receives a server IP address and server port number from the server. The client opens a data connection to the server IP address and server port number that are received. Most organizations prefer the passive mode because it involves less or no alterations to the firewall settings.
  • FTP supports binary and ASCII file transfer types:
    • Use the binary option when transferring executable files.
    • Use the ASCII option when transferring text files.

Before you start

Perform the following actions within the FTP / SFTP package.

  1. Establish a connection with the FTP/SFTP server using the Connect action. When establishing a connection, associate the FTP/SFTP server details with a session name. Use the same session name for all corresponding actions.
  2. Use the FTP/SFTP actions to automate a task. The actions enable you to perform following tasks:
    • Upload, download, delete, or rename files.
    • Upload, download, create, or delete folders.
    • Navigate to the parent folder or a specific folder.
  3. After you have automated the tasks related to FTP / SFTP, terminate the connection to the server using the Disconnect action.
Note: SFTP with SSH1 protocol is no longer supported by SFTP.

View how to use FTP/SFTP connect action in the following video:

Actions in the FTP / SFTP package

The FTP / SFTP package includes the following actions:
Note: Regarding the use of a semicolon (;) in folder or file names, the following guidelines apply:
  • You can use a semicolon (;) in the folder name for the following actions: Delete or Create folder
  • You must not use a semicolon (;) in the folder or file name for other actions, such as the following: Change folder, Delete files, Get files, Get folder, Put files, Put folders, and Rename files
Action Description
Change folder See Change folder action.
Connect See Connect action.
Create folder See Create folder action.
Delete folder See Delete folder action.
Delete files See Delete files action.
Disconnect See Disconnect action.
Get folders See Get folders action.
Get files See Get files action.
Put folders See Put folders action.
Put files See Put files action.
Rename files See Rename files action.