Which protocol does Samba implement for file sharing?

Samba implements the SMB/CIFS protocol for file sharing, which stands for Server Message Block/Common Internet File System. This protocol allows applications to read and write to files and request services from server programs in a computer network. SMB/CIFS is the primary protocol used for sharing files on Windows systems, making Samba an important tool for providing interoperability between Linux/Unix systems and Windows machines.

By utilizing SMB/CIFS, Samba facilitates file and printer sharing across different operating systems, allowing users on a network to access shared resources seamlessly. This enhances collaboration and resource sharing within mixed environments where different operating systems are in use. The other protocols listed—FTP, NFS, and HTTP—serve different purposes related to file transfer, network file systems, and web services but do not directly relate to the file sharing capabilities specifically enabled by Samba.