What are the advantages and disadvantages of directly accessing files on a server using FTP URLs versus downloading them programmatically in PHP?

When directly accessing files on a server using FTP URLs, the advantage is that it allows for quick and easy file transfers without the need to download the file to the local machine first. However, this method may pose security risks if the FTP credentials are exposed or if the server is not properly secured. On the other hand, downloading files programmatically in PHP allows for more control over the file transfer process and can incorporate additional security measures. 

// Download file from FTP server programmatically in PHP

$ftp_server = 'ftp.example.com';
$ftp_user = 'username';
$ftp_pass = 'password';
$remote_file = '/path/to/file.txt';
$local_file = 'local_file.txt';

$ftp_conn = ftp_connect($ftp_server);
$login = ftp_login($ftp_conn, $ftp_user, $ftp_pass);

if($ftp_conn && $login) {
    if(ftp_get($ftp_conn, $local_file, $remote_file, FTP_BINARY)) {
        echo 'File downloaded successfully.';
    } else {
        echo 'Failed to download file.';
    }
} else {
    echo 'FTP connection failed.';
}

ftp_close($ftp_conn);

Keywords

FTP URLs server files downloading programmatically PHP

Related Questions