Definition

Noun: A common method for distributing software or other files over a network, where users can access a public repository without needing a unique username or password. Access is typically granted by using a generic login like "guest" or "anonymous."

Usage

This term refers specifically to the network service and its rules for public access. * The developer used the anonymous file transfer protocol to host the open-source library. * Before the World Wide Web became dominant, anonymous file transfer protocol was a primary method for obtaining public-domain software.

Advanced Usage

• Often abbreviated in writing as anonymous FTP.
  • The dataset is available via anonymous FTP from the university's server.

Variants and Related Words

• FTP (File Transfer Protocol) (n): The broader standard network protocol for transferring computer files. Anonymous FTP is a specific, unauthenticated mode of this protocol.

Synonyms

• anonymous FTP (n): The standard abbreviated form.
• public file transfer protocol (n): A descriptive synonym emphasizing the public access nature.

Related Phrases

• to host on anonymous FTP: To make files available using this service.
  • The research institute hosts its data on anonymous FTP.
• to access via anonymous FTP: To retrieve files using this method.
  • You can access the manual via anonymous FTP.

Noun

1. a common way to make software available; users are allowed to log in as `guest' without a password and copy whatever has been made available