$ Linux Command

Network

ncftp

Feature-rich FTP client with tab completion and batch features.

ftptransferclientuploaddownload

Additional Notes

ncftp is a powerful FTP client that improves upon the standard ftp command with tab completion, directory bookmarks, recursive downloads, background transfers, and a more intuitive interface. It supports both interactive use and command-line batch operations.

It is particularly useful for managing FTP sites, automating uploads/downloads, and handling FTP-based deployment workflows. The ncftpget and ncftpput companion commands enable scripted file transfers without entering an interactive session.

Syntax

ncftp [options] [hostname]

Parameters

  • hostname: The FTP server to connect to.

Common Options

  • -u username: Specify the login username.
  • -p password: Specify the password (use with caution on shared systems).
  • -P port: Specify an alternate port.
  • -r: Use read-only mode.
  • -T: Disable progress meter for scripting.
  • -x: Run in debug mode.
  • -f .netrc: Use a specific .netrc file for credentials.

Interactive Commands

  • open hostname: Connect to a server.
  • get file: Download a file.
  • put file: Upload a file.
  • mget pattern: Download multiple files.
  • mput pattern: Upload multiple files.
  • get -R directory: Recursively download a directory.
  • put -R directory: Recursively upload a directory.
  • ls: List remote files.
  • cd dir: Change remote directory.
  • lcd dir: Change local directory.
  • pwd: Show remote current directory.
  • bookmark name: Bookmark the current connection.
  • bg: Background the current transfer.
  • jobs: Show background transfer jobs.
  • quit or exit: Close the session.

Companion Commands

ncftpget [options] url_or_host
ncftpput [options] host local-file

Examples

ncftp ftp.example.com

Open an interactive FTP session.

ncftp -u anonymous ftp.example.com

Connect with anonymous login.

ncftp
open ftp.example.com
get README.txt
quit

Session commands entered interactively.

ncftpget -R ftp.example.com /pub/files ./downloads

Recursively download a directory.

ncftpput -R ftp.example.com /remote/dir ./local-dir

Recursively upload a directory.

Practical Notes

  • Bookmarks are stored in ~/.ncftp/bookmarks and are a convenient way to avoid re-entering connection details.
  • Use bookmark -S to view all stored bookmarks.
  • Background transfers (bg) continue after disconnecting if the ncftpbatch daemon is running.
  • For secure transfers, prefer SFTP/SCP or FTPS. ncftp does not natively support SFTP.