How to set up FTP server in Linux

Step 1: Install vsftpd

To set up an FTP server in Linux, first, you have to ensure vsftpd is installed: For Ubuntu/Debian:

sudo apt update
sudo apt install vsftpd -y

For CentOS/RHEL:

sudo yum install vsftpd -y

Step 2: Basic Configuration of vsftpd

Configure vsftpd to allow basic FTP connections and set user restrictions.

1. Open the vsftpd configuration file:

   sudo nano /etc/vsftpd.conf

2. Edit/add the following settings for a secure FTP setup, the FTP folder in this case will be /home/$USER/FTP:

   anonymous_enable=NO
   local_enable=YES
   write_enable=YES
   chroot_local_user=YES
   allow_writeable_chroot=YES
   chroot_local_user=YES
   user_sub_token=$USER
   local_root=/home/$USER/ftp
   

3. Save and close the file.
4. Restart vsftpd to apply changes:

   sudo systemctl restart vsftpd

Step 3: Create FTP Users

To allow specific users to access the FTP server:

1. Create a new user (replace <username> with the desired username):

   sudo adduser <username>

2. Create an FTP upload directory for the user:

   sudo mkdir /home/<username>/ftp
   sudo chown <username> /home/<username>/ftp

Step 4: Test the FTP Server Configuration

To connect to the FTP server, use an FTP client like FileZilla:

1. Open FileZilla
2. Enter your server IP, username, and password, then click Connect.

 

Troubleshooting Tips

Check logs for errors:

sudo tail /var/log/vsftpd.log

 

Ctrl+C Sanctuary

The entire guide is distilled into copy-paste perfection—tested, hassle-free, and ready to go.   Ubuntu/ Debian Based :

sudo apt update
sudo apt install vsftpd -y
sudo echo -e "write_enable=YES\nchroot_local_user=YES\nallow_writeable_chroot=YES\nchroot_local_user=YES\nuser_sub_token=$USER\nlocal_root=/home/$USER/ftp" >> /etc/vsftpd.conf
sudo systemctl restart vsftpd
useradd -m ftpuser;echo "ftpuser:ftpuser" | chpasswd
sudo mkdir /home/ftpuser/ftp
sudo chown ftpuser /home/ftpuser/ftp

Fedora/ RHEL Based :

sudo dnf update -y
dnf install vsftpd -y
sudo echo -e "write_enable=YES\nchroot_local_user=YES\nallow_writeable_chroot=YES\nchroot_local_user=YES\nuser_sub_token=$USER\nlocal_root=/home/$USER/ftp" >> /etc/vsftpd.conf
sudo systemctl restart vsftpd
useradd -m ftpuser;echo "ftpuser:ftpuser" | chpasswd
sudo mkdir /home/ftpuser/ftp
sudo chown ftpuser /home/ftpuser/ftp