I’m having trouble with using FTP. Can you point me in the right direction?
FTP (File Transfer Protocol) is a challenging concept but absolutely essential to your future as a developer. If you’re having difficulties you’re not alone!
First things first, you’ll need to download an FTP client to help you along the way. Cyberduck and FileZilla are pretty popular (and free!).
Once you’ve got your hosting and domain in order, make sure you have your port number, username, password, and hostname/server name available. Typically, you’ll be able to find that information in your welcome email from your provider or in a section on your provider’s page called FTP Accounts, or similar.
Add a new site to your site manager in Filezilla or Cyberduck and fill out the information with your FTP credentials. Once you’re connected, you can get started by moving your folders from your local files (on the left if you’re working in FileZilla; straight from your desktop if you’re working in Cyberduck) to your remote directory.
More often than not, you should upload your files to an empty public_html folder. If you don’t see a public_html folder, contact your provider and ask them what is their protocol for uploading via FTP. (For instance, DreamHost uses a domain-name folder instead.) Don’t forget, you purchased a service from your provider which should include awesome customer service!
Keep in mind that file structure is super important when it comes to having a live website! Upload your files and folders exactly as they are in your local project folder. Once that’s all set, visit your new website on the interwebz. Congrats! You’ve just deployed your first website!
If you need more help or provider-specific information, check out their documentation! The provider’s documentation paired with customer service should point you in the right direction. Here’s a list of popular knowledge base articles on FTP :)