What is a common use of File Transfer Protocol (FTP)?

File Transfer Protocol (FTP) is specifically designed to enable the transfer of files between a client and a server within a network environment. It establishes a protocol that allows users to upload or download files easily, making it a fundamental tool for managing file transfers. This functionality is essential for website management, data backup, and sharing large files over the internet or within local networks.

FTP operates on a client-server model where the FTP client initiates the connection to the server, facilitating a smooth exchange of files across different systems. This is crucial in many IT applications, such as software updates, content management for websites, and data sharing between organizations.

In contrast, compressing files for storage is related to file management rather than file transfer, scanning for malware involves security measures to protect systems, and monitoring network traffic deals with analyzing data flows. None of these functions directly pertain to the primary use of FTP, which focuses on enabling efficient file transfers.