MyFTP

A custom FTP (File Transfer Protocol) server implemented in C++ from scratch. This project, part of the Epitech curriculum, provides a robust server capable of handling multiple clients and standard FTP commands, featuring both active and passive data transfer modes.

Features

The server architecture is designed to be extensible and robust, handling core FTP functionalities.

• Asynchronous I/O: Uses poll() to manage multiple client connections concurrently on a single thread.
• Command Handling: Implements a Factory design pattern to dynamically handle various FTP commands.
• Process-based Data Transfer: Utilizes fork() for data transfer commands (LIST, RETR, STOR) to prevent the main server loop from blocking.
• Data Transfer Modes: Supports both Passive (PASV) and Active (PORT) modes for data connections.
• User Authentication: Includes a basic authentication system, with default support for an Anonymous user.

Implemented FTP Commands

• USER: Specify the user for authentication.
• PASS: Specify the password for authentication.
• QUIT: Disconnect the client from the server.
• HELP: Display a help message.
• NOOP: Do nothing, but elicit a positive reply.
• PWD: Print working directory.
• CWD: Change working directory.
• CDUP: Change to the parent directory.
• DELE: Delete a file on the server.
• LIST: List files in the current directory.
• PASV: Enter passive mode for data transfer.
• PORT: Enter active mode for data transfer.
• RETR: Retrieve (download) a file from the server.
• STOR: Store (upload) a file to the server.

Getting Started

Prerequisites

• A C++ compiler (e.g., g++)
• make utility

Building the Server

To compile the FTP server, navigate to the root directory of the project and run make:

make

This command will compile the source files and create an executable named myftp in the root directory.

Building the Bonus Client

A basic command-line FTP client is included in the bonus directory. To build it:

cd bonus/
make

This will create an executable named clientftp inside the bonus directory.

Usage

Running the Server

The server requires a port number and a path to the directory that will serve as the FTP root.

./myftp <port> <path>

Example:

# This will start the server on port 2121, using /tmp/ftp_home as the root directory.
mkdir -p /tmp/ftp_home
./myftp 2121 /tmp/ftp_home

Connecting with a Client

You can connect to the server using any standard FTP client. By default, the server accepts anonymous logins:

• Username: Anonymous
• Password: (empty)

You can also use the included bonus client:

./bonus/clientftp <ip> <port>

Example:

./bonus/clientftp 127.0.0.1 2121

Makefile Commands

The main Makefile provides the following commands:

• make all: Compiles the server (default action).
• make clean: Removes the compiled server executable.
• make fclean: Performs a clean and removes any other generated files.
• make re: Force cleans and recompiles the entire project.