An FTP (File Transfer Protocol) account is a set of credentials that provides authorized access to an FTP server. It allows users to connect to the server and transfer files to or from the server. Each FTP account is associated with a specific username and password, and sometimes additional settings, granting users permission to perform various actions within a designated directory or directories on the server.

Key components of an FTP account include:

1. Username: A unique identifier that distinguishes one user from another. The username is used during the login process to authenticate the user.
2. Password: A secret code associated with the username to verify the identity of the user during the login process. It is essential for security to use a strong, unique password for FTP accounts.
3. FTP Server: The server that hosts the files and allows FTP connections. Users need to specify the FTP server address when connecting.
4. Directory Access: Depending on the configuration, an FTP account may have access to a specific directory or directories on the server. Users are often confined to their designated directories to ensure security and proper organization of files.

FTP accounts are commonly used by website administrators, developers, or content creators to upload, download, and manage files on a web server. They provide a secure means of transferring files over the internet and are a fundamental tool in web development, maintenance, and content management. Access permissions can be configured to allow users to read, write, delete, or modify files within their assigned directories.