File transfer protocols

The approach taken by earlier file transfer protocols and the design decisions resulting from them are discussed. A brief review of the history of file transfer protocols and the development of the concepts on which they rely is given. References are made to the seminal protocol descriptions, although not to all subsequent updates of the protocols concerned. The modeling of filestores and file structures which form the basis for the meaning of the protocol exchanges is outlined. The concept of a document type is introduced to bring together the many and various aspects which characterize the definition of a particular class of information. The resultant International Standards Organization protocol provides a range of facilities for different styles of application, covering both simple transfer and access to shared information. Current activities to extend the international standard and identify common functional styles of usage are reviewed, and the current situation is summarized