Which protocol is commonly used for transferring files over the web?

The protocol commonly used for transferring files over the web is FTP, which stands for File Transfer Protocol. FTP is specifically designed to facilitate the transfer of files between a client and a server on a computer network. It allows for uploads and downloads of files, enabling users to access files on remote servers or share files with others efficiently.

While other protocols like HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) are primarily used for transferring web pages and allowing users to access web content, FTP is tailored for file management tasks. Similarly, SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) is focused on sending emails, and IMAP (Internet Message Access Protocol) is used for retrieving and managing emails on a server. Each of these protocols serves distinct purposes within the realm of internet communication, but FTP stands out as the standard for file transfers.