Binary file transfer definition
Binary file transfer is the process of sending non-text files between systems. These binary files contain data in a format that is not readable by human beings and encompass such information as executable programs, images, videos, and compressed (archive) files.
Binary file transfers handle data at the bit level, ensuring that the exact sequence of bytes is preserved during transmission. Unlike with text files, even a small alteration in the binary data can render the file corrupt — for instance, when transferring an executable file, any modification to the binary structure could prevent the program from running correctly.
See also: binary file, binary format, encrypted file transfer, managed file transfer, Passive File Transfer Protocol, Secure File Transfer Protocol, Trivial File Transfer Protocol, FTP proxy
Binary file transfer protocols
Binary file transfers typically use protocols designed to handle the intricacies of binary data. One of the most common such protocols is FTP (File Transfer Protocol), which uses a special binary mode (as opposed to the ASCII mode used for text files) to ensure that files are transferred byte-for-byte without any translation or alteration.
Another popular protocol is HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol). When a binary file is downloaded from a web server, HTTP ensures that the file is delivered in its original binary format. This process involves several layers of error checking and data validation to prevent corruption during transmission.
