Uploading Sketch - TTL/UART wiring? (Serial programming)

[NopItTwice]

When uploading sketches to the ESP8266, how exactly do I need to wire it up?
I mean the first 4 pins are fairly obvious:
RX to TX
TX to RX
GND to GND
3v3 to 3v3

but what about the dtr pin? Do I connect it the the reset pin of the ESP module?
Can I even upload without the dtr? would I have to manually disconnect and reconnect gnd right before uploading?

[pratik]

Yes, make those 4 connections.
In addition, connect CH_PD to 3.3V to enable the chip.

The chip will enter programming mode if GPIO0 is connected to ground when power is turned on. If GPIO0 is left floating, the ESP8266 enters program execution mode on power up.
DTR need not be connected, just set it to program mode manually. Hope that helped!

[NopItTwice]

Thank you. I have also connected DTR to an active-low relay that cuts the power to the esp when dtr is triggered. This way I don't have to manually reset anymore. This solution is kinda crappy though imo. It would be nice if I could just hook up the dtr directly to the esp.