What are the advantages and disadvantages of using FTP versus a PHP script for file transfer?

When deciding between using FTP and a PHP script for file transfer, it's important to consider the advantages and disadvantages of each. FTP Advantages: - FTP is a standardized protocol specifically designed for file transfer, making it reliable and efficient. - FTP allows for easy transfer of large files and directories. - FTP can be easily automated and integrated into scripts or workflows. FTP Disadvantages: - FTP requires a separate client application to connect and transfer files, which may not be as user-friendly as a web interface. - FTP transfers are not encrypted by default, making them less secure compared to other methods like SFTP. - FTP may require additional firewall configurations for proper connectivity. PHP Script Advantages: - Using a PHP script for file transfer allows for more control and customization of the transfer process. - PHP scripts can easily handle file manipulation tasks before or after the transfer. - PHP scripts can be integrated directly into web applications, allowing for seamless file transfer within the application. PHP Script Disadvantages: - PHP scripts may not be as efficient as FTP for transferring large files or directories. - PHP scripts may require more development time and expertise to set up and maintain compared to using a standard FTP client. - PHP scripts may be limited by server configurations and permissions when accessing and transferring files.

// Example PHP script for file transfer using FTP
$ftp_server = "ftp.example.com";
$ftp_username = "username";
$ftp_password = "password";
$local_file = "local_file.txt";
$remote_file = "remote_file.txt";

// Connect to FTP server
$ftp_conn = ftp_connect($ftp_server);
$login = ftp_login($ftp_conn, $ftp_username, $ftp_password);

// Upload file to FTP server
if (ftp_put($ftp_conn, $remote_file, $local_file, FTP_ASCII)) {
    echo "File uploaded successfully";
} else {
    echo "Error uploading file";
}

// Close FTP connection
ftp_close($ftp_conn);