Apple filing protocol (AFP)

Apple Filing Protocol (AFP) is a network protocol used by Apple devices to share files over a network. It was developed by Apple Inc. primarily for use in Mac OS and enables the sharing of files and directories between computers in a local area network (LAN). AFP has been a core part of Apple's networking solutions for many years, especially before the rise of other protocols like SMB (Server Message Block).

Key Features of AFP

1. File Sharing: AFP allows users to access files on remote computers as if they were on their local machines, enabling file management and collaboration.

2. Support for Mac Features: AFP is designed to work seamlessly with macOS features, supporting resource forks, metadata, and other file attributes unique to Mac systems.

3. Network Printing: AFP also supports network printing capabilities, allowing users to print to shared printers on the network.

4. Directory Services Integration: AFP can integrate with directory services for user authentication and access control, helping manage user permissions.

Transition to SMB

In recent years, Apple has shifted its focus from AFP to SMB, particularly with the introduction of macOS Sierra (10.12) and later versions. SMB has become the preferred protocol for file sharing in macOS, largely due to its cross-platform compatibility and robust performance.