The NFT (Nutrient Film Technique) used to be commonly used among commercial and smaller scale hobbyist or amateur hydroponic growers. Its use has diminished among commercial growers in recent years mainly because new hydroponic techniques exist today that are better suited to large-scale farming.
Amateur hydroponic growers however still use NFT often. It's not that expensive, it's very easy to use, and it can be easily adapted to suit many different plant types.