[cricalix]

"FTP is dead" - shared web hosting would like a word. Quite a few web hosts still talk about using FTP to upload websites to the hosting server. Yes, these days you can upload SSH keys and possibly use SFTP, but the docs still talk about tools like FileZilla and basic FTP.

Exhibit A: https://help.ovhcloud.com/csm/en-ie-web-hosting-ftp-storage-...

[SoftTalker]

I haven't used old school FTP in probably 15 years. Surely we're not talking about using that unencrypted protocol in 2025?

From that link:

    2. SSH connection

    You will need advanced knowledge and an OVHcloud web hosting plan Pro or Performance to use this access type.

Well, maybe we are. I'd cross that provider off my list right there.

[sltkr]

They mention that the "FTP" service includes SFTP, which is file transfer over SSH (not actually related to classic FTP), which is perfectly secure and supported by most FTP clients like Filezilla.

The premium "SSH connection" you mentioned seems to refer to shell access via SSH, which is a separate thing.

[carlosjobim]

FTP still works great and encryption is a non-priority for 100% of users.

[jasongill]

Shared hosting is dying, but not yet dead; FTP is dying with it - it's really the last big use case for FTP now that software distribution and academia have moved away from FTP. As shared hosting continues to decline in popularity, FTP is going along with it.

Like you, I will miss the glory days of FTP :'(

[theshackleford]

Shared hosting is in decline in much the same way as it was in 2015. Aka everyone involved is still making money hand over fist despite continued reports of its death right around the corner.

[valiant55]

I think everyone is underestimating how much B2B file exchange happens over SFTP/FTPS. I'm in healthcare and my system moves thousands of files up and down from over 100 unique hosts daily.

[bawolff]

I think the true death of ftp was amazon s3 deciding to use their own protocol instead of ftp, as s3 is basically the same niche.

[waste_monk]

Also worth noting that FTPS (FTP over TLS) exists and obviates the fuss around SSH TOFU and key management etc. Especially given we're in the era of free certificates via Let's Encrypt, this is a great option.

The main downside is people will sometimes assume you mean SFTP (not having heard of FTPS or realising they are different), and then get upset when it doesn't work as they expect. However good tooling will support both e.g. Filezilla.