Edit and FTP in Android

This is a short recipe for editing HTML files and publishing them easily in Android -- but only if you are comfortable editing HTML source code. This is not for people who need a WYSIWYG editor. I use the following procedure in Android 4.0.3 (Ice Cream Sandwich) - no reason it wouldn't work in other versions.

Note: You can open your your web files by downloading them from the web server (live files), edit them, then upload/FTP them, but normally you still need a copy of the updated file on your other devices. Dropbox* can keep your files updated in all your devices - PC/Mac, mobile phone, tablet.

APPs to install (Google Play)

1. Jota Text Editor (pronounced i-o-ta)
2. AndFTP (your FTP client)

App Settings

1. Run AndFTP and set up your FTP connection(s). You need to enter the host, login ID and password, folder, and other required settings. Default settings include Passive Mode, Port 21, and Security none. Once the account is set up properly, you can access it from the Jota text editor.
2. Run Jota and change the settings to what you want, such as viewing options, colours, etc.
3. If your website uses subfolders you have a problem - you must set up a separate connection for each folder you want to FTP to. When you select AndFTP from the list (below) you will then have to select the connection to that folder. Otherwise the file will be stored in the wrong location. If there is a better way to do this, please let me know!

A Recipe for Edit and FTP

1. Run Jota and open a file
   ...or run Dropbox app, locate the file you want to edit. Tap it and select Open, then choose Jota Text Editor. The file opens in Jota.
2. Edit the text in the file as you wish.
3. Tap the MENU (3 vertical dots at top right) and select "Save". This saves the file to the original location that you opened. If this is on your phone card, you must copy the file to your normal website location.*
4. Tap the MENU and select Share as File then select AndFTP from the list.
5. A popup window will appear with all the FTP accounts you have set up. Tap the one you want to use and the file will be uploaded. Tap the OK button.
6. Tap the MENU and select Quit to exit AndFTP.
7. That's it. The files is now visible on the Web.

* Using Dropbox for Websites

I use Dropbox.com, an online (cloud) storage service that stores your files. I use Dropbox to store my website files, so I can edit them from anywhere. The files are automatically synchronized across my other devices. The Dropbox account provides more storage than most people will ever use unless you like to store large media files. It's used by most of my tech friends and it's FREE! Get Dropbox storage and apps here:

• Dropbox.com - free secure cloud storage
• Dropbox app (Google Play)

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