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Table of contents
1.
Introduction
2.
What is HTTP?
2.1.
Features of HTTP
2.2.
Use Cases for HTTP
2.3.
Example of HTTP
3.
What is FTP?
3.1.
Features of FTP
3.2.
Use Cases for FTP
3.3.
Example of FTP
4.
Differences Between HTTP and FTP
5.
Frequently Asked Questions
5.1.
What is the difference between FTP and HTTP GET?
5.2.
What is the difference between HTTP and FTP and SMTP?
5.3.
What is the difference between FTP and HTTP proxy?
5.4.
What is the difference between HTTP and SFTP?
6.
Conclusion
Last Updated: Mar 27, 2024
Medium

Difference Between HTTP And FTP

Author Gaurav Singh
1 upvote

Introduction

So when transferring files over the internet, two ways/protocols are commonly used: HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) and FTP (File Transfer Protocol). 

HTTP supports out-band transfer, while FTP supports in-band transfer. FTP is used for downloading and uploading files between a server and client, while HTTP serves web pages between a browser and server.

Difference Between HTTP and FTP

In this blog post, we will go through the key differences between HTTP and FTP in depth. We will learn about HTTP and FTP differences, their purposes, typical use cases, and features. You will know better when to utilize HTTP and when to use FTP for file transfers at the end of this article.

What is HTTP?

HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) is a file-transferring protocol used for communication between web clients (an application that runs on user’s device that can request information from a web server) and web servers (an application that runs on a server computer and answers the requests made by web clients). The WWW (World Wide Web) used this protocol to transfer information over the Internet. Any web address has the following structure: protocol, domain name, and path to the webpage. And we see that most web pages have http:// at the start of the webpage link suggesting that it is an HTTP protocol. The primary purpose of HTTP is to exchange files like hypertext and related content between clients and servers.

Features of HTTP

Some of the features that FTP provides us with are:

  • Stateless: HTTP is a simple protocol that doesn’t keep the information/memory of the previous request. Meaning every request and response is independent of the previous requests and responses.
     
  • Text-Based: The HTTP messages are text-based, making it easier for developers to read and debug.
     
  • Versatile: HTTP is restricted to web pages and can be used for sending requests to streaming services and real-time communication.
     

Use Cases for HTTP

The primary use for HTTP is to access information from web pages and web applications. One of the critical pieces of information here was to know that it was the foundation for WWW (World Wide Web). Now, we understand the other applications for HTTP:

  • Web Pages Retrieval: HTTP helps send the request to the server when a user types in an address on the browser, and then the requested web page is loaded.
     
  • Files Uploading: HTTP helps us upload files to the web server. One example would be when we are uploading the files on g-form.
     
  • Interaction with APIs: Many websites allow users to interact with their websites by allowing them to access their content through APIs using HTTP requests.
     

Example of HTTP

When one browses the internet and visits a website, they are using HTTP to retrieve the web page and associated information from a web browser. For example, when one types “www.google.com" into their browser and hits enter, HTTP sends the request to Google’s web server, which will then respond with the requested web page.

What is FTP?

FTP (File Transfer Protocol) is a file-transferring protocol that helps communicate our local computers with the internet. Its primary purpose is efficient and reliable file transfer between web servers and clients. But unlike HTTP, primarily used for web-based content, FTP is explicitly used for file transfer.

Features of FTP

  • Two modes of operation: FTP mainly consists of 2 modes of operation, i.e., active and passive modes. In active mode, the client creates the connection to the server, while in passive mode, the server creates the link for the client.
     
  • Supports various file types: FTP allows the transfer of different file types including ASCII and binary files, unlike HTTP which only allowed HTML pages.
     
  • Authentication: FTP supports user authentication, which allows authorized users to access files in a restricted way.
     

Use Cases for FTP

  • Uploading and downloading files: FTP transfers large files quickly, such as images or videos, between servers and clients.
     
  • Backups: FTP can back essential files to a remote server for safety.
     
  • Software distribution: FTP is also widely used to distribute software updates or new patches to users.
     

Example of FTP

Now we know that FTP transfers files over the internet, such as images, videos, software updates, backups, etc. For example, if a photographer uploads a large batch of images of high-resolution to a client’s server for review or downloading by others, he might use FTP to do this.

Differences Between HTTP and FTP

Key Point

HTTP

FTP

Full Form

Hypertext Transfer Protocol

File Transfer Protocol

Protocol Type

Request-response protocol used for web browsing and web applications

File transfer protocol explicitly used for transferring files

Transfer Type

Transfers data in small packets and is optimized for short, frequent transactions

Transfers data in large packets and is optimized for long, infrequent transactions

Authentication

Supports basic authentication and cookies

Supports a range of authentication options including anonymous, essential, and advanced authentication

Connection control

Stateless

Stateful

Port

Typically uses port 80 or 443 for HTTPS connections

Typically uses port 21 for transfers and port 20 for data connections

URL

Starts with HTTP

Starts with FTP

Use Cases

Best suited for browsing the web, accessing web applications, and interacting with APIs

Best suited for transferring large files, backing up data, and sharing files between computers

Examples

When a user accesses a webpage, HTTP sends the request to the server, which then displays the requested page.

When uploading or downloading files to or from a remote server, we typically use an FTP client to connect to the server and transfer the files.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between FTP and HTTP GET?

FTP transfers files between a client and server with commands like PUT and GET. HTTP GET requests data from a server using URLs.

What is the difference between HTTP and FTP and SMTP?

HTTP is for web page retrieval, FTP for file transfer, and SMTP for email transmission.

What is the difference between FTP and HTTP proxy?

FTP proxy handles FTP requests, HTTP proxy handles HTTP requests.

What is the difference between HTTP and SFTP?

HTTP is for web page retrieval, while SFTP securely transfers files over SSH.

Conclusion

Thus, this blog has discussed the different types of protocols available to us: HTTP and FTP. We understood that HTTP is mainly used for communicating between web servers and clients to access a webpage during web browsing.

In comparison, FTP is used to transfer files between servers and clients and for backups. HTTP is a stateless protocol and text-based, while FTP is a stateful protocol and binary. And thus, it is recommended to use HTTP for web browsing or connecting with APIs, while FTP should be used for file transfer and backups.
To learn more about HTTP and FTP protocols, you can visit these pages:

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