Accessing FileZilla SSL from Aptana

We have a production server that is set up with Filezilla FTP server. For obvious security reasons, we require an SSL connection to the server. This works fine with most FTP clients, and can also be used through Aptana (though only the Pro version supports FTPS and SFTP). Aptana has some really nice FTP editing and synchronizing capabilities, but they are, at this time, a bit buggy. I wanted to document some of the hurdles I went through to get them working so that I can remember for next time, and also possibly help out other people struggling with the same things.

The first big problem I ran into is that, for whatever reason, the SSL certificate I have set up on my server is not recognized automatically by Eclipse. The error message in Eclipse is not helpful at all, but what it comes down to is that I have to install my certificate in the java key store that is being used by Eclipse. There is a command line tool to install a certificate, but I recently came across an Eclipse plugin that makes this much easier. It's called Keytool (http://keytool.sourceforge.net/). If you like GUIs, you will appreciate it. If you prefer command line tools, more power to you! Here's the steps I took (I apologize if I gloss over some of the steps -- leave a comment if you need any more info about any of them):

Open a website that uses the SSL certificate in Firefox.
Export the certificate as "X.509 Certificate with chain (PEM)"
Use the Keytool plugin to import the certificate into your java keystore. The default location of the java keystore is [JVM]/lib/security/cacerts. The default password is "changeit". On windows, you will need to run Eclipse as the Administrator in order to change the Java keystore.
Restart Eclipse/Aptana

So far so good. Next, to set up the FTPS connection in Aptana.

In the FTPS site properties, select the connection type of FTPS
In Advanced Properties, set the port to 990, select passive mode, and select the security type of TLS.

Those are the settings that worked for me, at least. One strange thing I noticed is that if I open up the connection properties again and then click the Cancel button, the Advanced Properties settings are cleared out. This is one of the Aptana bugs I am referring to. I think Aptana is great, but is definitely a little polish lacking here and there.

Posted on October 6, 2009 2:40:19 PM EDT by David Hammond

Testimonials

Modern Signal has been a great partner for us for over the past 10 years. As our business grew and our needs changed, Modern Signal was able to work with us to adjust our website platform in the ever-changing online world. Their service and response level has been second to none, and we've been never been happier with our relationship with them.

- Charm City Run
This was by far the smoothest website redevelopment I have ever experienced. Modern Signal was a wonderful company to work with and we greatly value our working relationship.

- National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators
I love working with Modern Signal! Their CMS is very easy to use and they are incredibly responsive to questions or challenges I bring them.

- NALP
I felt as if my company was their only client. They responded to my needs quickly and efficiently despite short turn around time and intense demands.

- Teaching Strategies, Inc.
Modern Signal has a professional staff that was very responsive to our needs during all phases - scoping, developing, implementing and maintaining - of our project. We have been pleased with their ability to deliver quality work on time and on budget. If given the opportunity, I would work with them again.

- The National Center for Safe Routes to School
Modern Signal understands our business - from future needs to current limitations - so their solutions are always scalable, solid, and service-oriented.

- National Association of Home Builders
Modern Signal worked with us to understand our needs and figure out what solution would work best for us. Our Lighthouse CMS is perfectly suited to our website goals. When we later needed to modify the CMS, they again took the time to understand exactly what was needed and then built that functionality rather than delivering a cookie cutter solution.

- Ecosystem Investment Partners
We wouldn’t have gotten where we are today without your support over the years. Modern Signal has always been a great partner to us.

- Kirk Gillis, Managing Director at Zoom Tanzania
Modern Signal significantly enhanced our site to be more efficient and user-friendly. They provide excellent customer service with timely and cost-effective solutions.

- Center for Medicare Education