What is the Difference Between HTTP and FTP?

Introduction

Grasping the distinctions between HTTP and FTP is crucial in our digital era. These two protocols are the backbone of the Internet, playing distinct roles and operating in unique ways.

This knowledgebase article will briefly explain the two protocols’ histories, functions, similarities, and differences. So, let’s get into the details without further ado.

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What is HTTP?

HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) is a foundational protocol mainly used to transfer information on the Internet.

HTTP, often referred to as the backbone of data communication, plays a pivotal role in the Internet. It facilitates the retrieval of web pages, images, videos, and other resources from web servers to browsers, essentially bridging the gap between the server and the browsers.

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➢ Definition and primary purpose of HTTP

HTTP, short for Hypertext Transfer Protocol, is a fundamental protocol for transferring and retrieving information on the Internet. It defines how messages are formatted and transmitted, enabling web browsers to communicate with web servers.

HTTP is a request-response protocol. Its primary purpose is to send clients’ requests for resources like web pages or files to servers and deliver the server’s response (the requested data) to the client’s browser.

This protocol is pivotal in creating a seamless data exchange between users and servers across the World Wide Web.

➢ A brief history of HTTP

HTTP is short for Hypertext Transfer Protocol. It has a notable history. Tim Berners-Lee developed it in the early 1990s. The first version, HTTP/0.9, was introduced in 1991. HTTP was a simple protocol for transferring hypertext documents online. It allowed clients to request a single type of document—HTML pages—from servers.

In 1996, developers released HTTP/1.0. This version added more robust features like status codes and headers and the ability to request multiple types of content. It laid the foundation for the modern web we know today. In 1999, HTTP/1.1 was standardized, improving performance, caching, and persistent connections.

People have recently worked to improve security and efficiency. They did this by creating HTTP/2 in 2015 and HTTP/3 in 2020, which aimed to make the web faster and give users a better experience. The evolution of HTTP reflects the growing demands of the digital age and shows the drive to improve Internet communication protocols.

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➢ How HTTP works?

HTTP operates as a request-response protocol. A client, typically a web browser, sends a request for data to a server, and the server (normally a website) then responds with the requested information.

This vital protocol enables seamless, systematic, and standardized communication between users and web servers on the World Wide Web. HTTP ensures an efficient and hassle-free browsing experience.

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What is FTP?

FTP stands for File Transfer Protocol. It is a simple and standard protocol to move (transfer) files between one host and another in the Internet space.

➢ Definition and primary purpose of FTP

FTP, or File Transfer Protocol, is a standard network protocol based on client-server architecture for transferring files between a client and a server on a computer network.

It allows users to upload, download, and manage files on a remote server. The protocol requires authentication through a username and password to access files on the server.

The primary purpose of FTP is often to:

➔ Upload website files to a server,

➔ Download files from a server,

➔ Share files between different devices on a network.

Access to an FTP server typically requires a username and password to ensure better security.

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➢ Brief history of FTP

Abhay Bhushan developed the File Transfer Protocol (FTP) in the early 1970s. It was part of the ARPANET project, the precursor to the modern Internet.

The developers designed FTP to let users transfer files. They could transfer files between different computers on the network. Over the years, it has evolved and become a used standard for file transfer on the Internet.

Despite the advancements in technology and the emergence of more secure file transfer methods, FTP remains a popular choice. Its simplicity and user-friendly interface make it a comfortable option for many users.

➢ How FTP works

FTP establishes a client-server connection over a TCP/IP network. The client starts the connection by sending a request to the server using the FTP protocol. Once connected, the client can send commands to the server to upload, download, delete, or manage files. The server responds to these commands and carries out the requested actions.

FTP uses different ports. It uses one for control (port 21) and one for data transfer (port 20). Users need to log in with a username and password. You need this to access files on the server securely. FTP uses a client-server model. It enables fast file transfer between devices on a network.

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Key Differences Between HTTP and FTP

Features	HTTP	FTP
Purpose	HTTP transfers web pages between a server and a client’s browser.	FTP is used to upload, download, delete, or manage files between client and server.
Authentication	No authentication is required while using HTTP	As security is a concern, authentication is needed
Connection Type	HTTP follows the Stateless connection type, which means each request is handled independently	FTP follows the Stateful connection type, where it maintains the connection for the session till the disconnection
Data Connection	HTTP supports only a single data connection	FTP supports both data connection and control connection
Ports	HTTP operates via Transmission Control Protocol on TCP port 80	FTP operates using Transmission Control Protocol on TCP ports 20 and 21
Security	Using HTTPS makes it secured	Not secure by default
File Size Transfer	HTTP efficiently transfers small files	FTP efficiently transfers larger files
Band Transfer	HTTP allows for an In-band type of band transfer	FTP allows for an Out-of-band type of band transfer
TCP Connection Type	HTTP uses both Persistent and Non-persistent TCP connection types	FTP uses a Persistent TCP connection for the Control connection and a Non-persistent TCP Connection for Data Connection
RFC Specification	HTTP uses 2616, 7230, and 7231 RFC specifications	FTP uses 959, 765, 1732 RFC specifications
Communication Direction	HTTP follows a unidirectional communication system	FTP follows a bi-directional communication system
Speed	HTTP is a faster protocol than FTP	FTP is a slower protocol than HTTP

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What are the Similarities in HTTP & FTP?

Features	Description
Protocol Type	Both HTTP and FTP are application layer protocols in the TCP/IP model.
Client-Server Architecture	They both utilize a client-server architecture where a client initiates communication with a server.
TCP Connection	Both rely on TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) to ensure reliable data transfer over a network.
Data Transfer	Both facilitate the transfer of data between a client and a server.

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Wrap Up

By now, you should have understood that HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) and FTP (File Transfer Protocol) differ in their primary functions and application purposes.

HTTP communicates between web pages (server) and browsers (client), focusing on retrieving and displaying content from web servers. Conversely, FTP is designed to transfer files between a client and a server. FTP software lets Users upload, download, and manage files on a remote server.

While both protocols are vital for Internet communication, their distinct purposes cater to different digital needs. In simple terms, HTTP serves web content, while FTP facilitates file transfers.