FileZilla
FileZilla is a free and open-source cross-platform FTP client and server software suite, distributed under the GNU General Public License version 2.0 (GPLv2), that enables users to transfer files between local machines and remote servers using protocols such as FTP, FTPS (FTP over SSL/TLS), and SFTP (SSH File Transfer Protocol).[1][2] The suite consists of the FileZilla Client, a graphical user interface (GUI)-based application for initiating transfers, and the FileZilla Server, a dedicated FTP server implementation primarily for Windows.[1][3] Developed using the C++ programming language and the wxWidgets library for its interface, FileZilla supports major operating systems including Windows, Linux, macOS, and *BSD, making it accessible to a wide range of users from individuals to enterprises.[2][4] Originating as a computer science class project in early 2001 by Tim Kosse and two classmates in Germany, FileZilla's first public release was version 1.0 in June 2001.[5] The project quickly gained popularity for its simplicity and reliability, evolving through multiple iterations; notable milestones include the introduction of IPv6 support and a major rewrite in version 3.0.0 released on September 8, 2007, which established the modern codebase still in use today.[5][6] As of November 2025, the FileZilla Client is at version 3.69.5, with ongoing development focusing on security enhancements and performance improvements including better handling of large files exceeding 4 GB.[6] The FileZilla Server, first released in 2004, reached version 1.11.1 in September 2025, emphasizing stability and FTPS support for secure hosting.[7][5] Key features of the FileZilla Client include an intuitive tabbed interface for managing multiple connections, a site manager for storing server details, drag-and-drop file transfers, directory comparison to synchronize content, remote file editing via integration with external editors, and configurable speed limits to optimize bandwidth usage.[4] It also supports advanced networking options like HTTP/1.1, SOCKS5 and FTP proxies, IPv6, and logging to files for troubleshooting, with availability in over 47 languages for global accessibility.[4][2] The server component provides robust FTP and FTPS hosting with features like user management, IP filtering, and automatic transfer resumption, though it is Windows-exclusive unlike the multi-platform client.[1] In addition to the free versions, FileZilla Pro offers a commercial edition with extended protocol support for cloud services such as Amazon S3, Google Drive, Dropbox, and WebDAV, catering to professional workflows. Widely regarded as one of the most popular FTP solutions due to its no-cost model and feature richness, FileZilla continues to be actively maintained by the FileZilla Project, with community support through forums, a wiki, and a bug bounty program for security research.[8][1]History
Origins and early development
FileZilla originated in February 2001 as a class project undertaken by Tim Kosse and two classmates during their computer science studies at RWTH Aachen University in Germany. The assignment initially called for a simple program, but they opted instead for a more ambitious FTP client to create a reliable tool for file transfers over FTP protocols. Written in C++, the project emphasized core functionality such as server connections, directory listings, and file uploads/downloads, marking the beginning of what would become a widely used open-source application.[9] Early development prioritized a Windows-based graphical user interface using Microsoft's MFC library, reflecting the platform's dominance at the time. Although cross-platform compatibility was a long-term goal, the initial versions were Windows-specific, focusing on stability and ease of use to distinguish it from existing FTP clients. Kosse, in his final year of studies, continued refining the software post-assignment for personal use and broader improvement, laying the groundwork for its public availability.[5] The project transitioned to open-source distribution under the GNU General Public License shortly after inception, as commercial prospects seemed unlikely, enabling community involvement from the start. The first alpha release occurred on February 27, 2001, via SourceForge.net, followed by a beta in April and version 1.0 in June of the same year. These early releases garnered initial downloads and prompted rapid iterations, with updates incorporating user feedback on usability and reliability from early adopters.[9][5] Over time, efforts to enhance cross-platform support led to the adoption of the wxWidgets library for the GUI, though this major rewrite came later, solidifying FileZilla's accessibility across operating systems. This foundational phase established the project's commitment to free, open-source software, evolving from a student endeavor into distinct client and server products.[5]Key milestones and licensing changes
In November 2003, FileZilla was recognized as SourceForge's Project of the Month, which significantly increased its visibility, leading to over 4,000 daily downloads and enhanced community contributions including bug reports, feature requests, and volunteer translators.[9] FileZilla Server was released in 2001 as a companion to the client, providing FTP and FTPS hosting capabilities with features like user management and directory permissions.[10] Since its early development, FileZilla Client has been distributed under the GNU General Public License version 2 or any later version, emphasizing copyleft principles to ensure derivative works remain open source; FileZilla Server initially followed the same GPL-2.0-or-later terms before transitioning to the GNU Affero General Public License version 3 or later with the 1.x series in 2021.[11] FileZilla Pro, a commercial edition extending the open-source client with support for cloud protocols like Amazon S3, Google Cloud Storage, and Microsoft Azure, was introduced in 2017 to offer enterprise-grade integration without altering the core GPL-licensed codebase.[12] The FileZilla Client achieved a major milestone with the 3.0 series release on September 8, 2007, following betas in 2006; this rewrite introduced cross-platform compatibility using wxWidgets, directory filtering, and improved SFTP handling, marking a shift from the Windows-only 2.x branch.[6] FileZilla Server entered its modern 1.x era in 2021 with version 1.0.0, and on August 28, 2025, version 1.11.0 was released, incorporating wildcard pattern support (using* and ?) for commands like LIST, NLST, MLSD, and STAT to enable flexible file querying, alongside options for write-only mount points and credentialed UNC paths.[7]
In 2019, FileZilla participated in the European Union's Free and Open Source Software Auditing (EU-FOSSA 2) bug bounty program, resulting in the identification and remediation of 10 security vulnerabilities through community-submitted reports, reinforcing the project's commitment to robust auditing.[13]