When using an FTP client to upload website files, what is the correct general sequence of steps to transfer files to a hosting server?

Introduction / Context:
File Transfer Protocol, often used in its secure variants such as SFTP or FTPS, is a standard way to move website files from a local development machine to a hosting server. Most hosting plans provide FTP access and instructions, and many free or commercial FTP clients are available. This question focuses on the logical sequence of actions that a user typically performs in an FTP client to upload files safely and correctly.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• An FTP client such as FileZilla or WinSCP is installed on the local machine.
• The hosting provider has supplied FTP connection details: host, username, password, and possibly port.
• The remote server exposes a web root directory where website files should be stored.
• The question asks for the correct high level sequence of steps to upload files with an FTP client.

Concept / Approach:
The basic FTP workflow follows a predictable pattern. You first configure the connection by entering the FTP server address (often the domain name or a special host), your username, password, and port number. After connecting, the FTP client shows two panes: a local file system view and a remote server view. You navigate to the folder containing your website files on the local side and to the web root folder (for example, public_html or www) on the remote side. Finally, you transfer files by dragging them from local to remote or by using upload commands. The client shows progress and status messages, allowing you to confirm successful transfer.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Start the FTP client and locate the connection settings or quick connect bar. Step 2: Enter the FTP host name or IP, username, password, and the appropriate port, then initiate the connection. Step 3: Once connected, navigate in the local pane to the directory containing your website files. Step 4: Navigate in the remote pane to the correct web root folder provided by the hosting provider. Step 5: Select the files or directories you want to upload and drag them from the local pane to the remote pane or click the upload button. Step 6: Wait for the transfers to complete and verify that all files appear correctly on the server.

Verification / Alternative check:
If you follow any reputable tutorial on FTP uploads, the steps described will match this sequence closely. Screenshots usually show the client with two panes and instructions such as connect, browse to the correct directories, and upload by dragging or using context menus. The use of host, username, password, and port is standard. There is never a step involving deleting all local files or disturbing system files on the server, which confirms that option A accurately describes the correct procedure.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option B is wrong and dangerous because deleting local files before upload serves no purpose and risks data loss. Option C is incorrect because random clicking and restarting the computer does not complete a transfer and reflects no real workflow. Option D is very risky, since removing system files can break the server and uploading into the OS root is not the prescribed method. Option E is clearly unrealistic; mailing printed file names cannot transfer digital files to the server.

Common Pitfalls:
Users sometimes connect with incorrect credentials or to the wrong port, leading to connection errors. Another common pitfall is uploading files into the wrong remote folder, which can make the site appear broken or unchanged. Some users also forget to switch to secure protocols such as SFTP or FTPS and inadvertently transmit passwords unencrypted. By following the clear sequence in option A and verifying paths and protocol, you can avoid these issues and reliably upload website content via FTP.

Final Answer:
Enter the FTP host, username, password, and port, connect to the server, navigate to the correct local and remote folders, then drag or upload the desired files to the server