SSH vs FTP: The Deployment Workflow Agencies Actually Use

Stop guessing which tool to use. Learn when agencies use SSH vs FTP, the exact commands they run, and why this knowledge gets you hired.

The Question Every Fresher Asks

"Should I use SSH or FTP?" You've probably Googled this 10 times. YouTube tutorials show both. But agencies don't use both randomly—they have a system.

Here's the truth: SSH is for commands. FTP is for files. But knowing when to use each is what separates you from tutorial-watchers.

When Agencies Use FTP

FTP (File Transfer Protocol) is your go-to for:

• Uploading WordPress themes and plugins
• Moving media files (images, videos, PDFs)
• Quick file replacements without server access
• Client handoffs where they need visual file management

Real agency workflow: Client sends logo. You download it. You upload via FTP to `/wp-content/uploads/`. Done in 30 seconds.

When Agencies Use SSH

SSH (Secure Shell) is for when you need to do something, not just move files:

• Database backups and restores
• Changing file permissions (chmod commands)
• Installing Composer packages
• Running WP-CLI commands
• Checking server logs when something breaks

Real agency workflow: Site is down. You SSH in. Check error logs. Find the issue. Fix it. All in 5 minutes.

The Commands That Get You Hired

Here are 5 SSH commands agencies use daily:

# 1. Check disk space (critical before deployments)
df -h

# 2. Find large files (when site is slow)
find . -type f -size +10M

# 3. Check WordPress file permissions
ls -la wp-config.php

# 4. Backup database via command line
wp db export backup.sql

# 5. Check error logs in real-time
tail -f error.log

These aren't "nice to know." They're interview questions. Agencies ask: "What do you do when a site goes down?" If you say "I check the error logs via SSH," you're hired.

Why Tutorials Don't Teach This

YouTube tutorials show you "how to connect via FTP." They don't show you:

• When FTP fails and you need SSH
• How to debug permission errors
• The workflow for deploying 10 sites in a day
• What to do when the client's server is different

That's why agencies hire WorkReady graduates. We teach the real workflows, not just the tools.