HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) is the hypertext transfer protocol used for the distribution of information on the World Wide Web. It is an application protocol of the Internet Protocol Suite (TCP/IP) and establishes how data is sent and received over the web.
HTTP is based on a client-server architecture, which means that data requests originate from the client (usually a web browser) and are answered by the server hosting the requested content.
How does HTTP work?
When a user enters a URL into a web browser, an HTTP request is made to the web server hosting the site. The server then responds to the request, often returning an HTML file for the browser to interpret and display to the user.
This communication is done using a series of standardized HTTP commands, known as HTTP methods. Some of the most common are GET (to retrieve information from the server), POST (to send information to the server), and DELETE (to delete information).
Advantages of HTTP
- Simplicity: HTTP is a stateless protocol, which means that each request is treated independently and no information about previous requests is saved. This makes the protocol relatively simple to implement and manage.
- Compatibility: Given its long history and its role in the founding of the web, HTTP is widely supported by all types of web browsing software and web servers.
- Flexibility: HTTP can deliver any type of content that can be part of a web experience, from text and HTML to images and video files.
Disadvantages of HTTP
- Lack of security: As a stateless protocol, HTTP does not provide any form of authentication or encryption of data, which can make transmitted information vulnerable to interception and manipulation.
- Inefficiency: HTTP connections are generally short-lived and must be re-established for each page or file request. This can lead to overload and slower response times.
HTTP vs HTTPS
Today, a secure version of HTTP known as HTTPS (HTTP Secure) is increasingly used. HTTPS incorporates Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) to encrypt communication between client and server, thus providing significant protection against data interception and manipulation.
HTTP vs FTP
HTTP protocol and FTP (File Transfer Protocol) are two methods used to transfer files over the Internet, but they have significant differences in their function and use.
Main function
- HTTP is designed to allow communication between web browsers and web servers, usually to request and receive web pages and other web content.
- FTP, on the other hand, is designed specifically for transferring files between systems on a network.
Safety
- HTTP in its basic form does not offer security in data transfer, which means that information can be intercepted and read. HTTP has a secure version, HTTPS, that encrypts data.
- FTP also has a secure version, FTPS, which adds a layer of security to protect data transfer.
Yield
- HTTP can be slower than FTP when transferring files, especially if they are large, due to the additional overhead created by HTTP headers.
- FTP is generally faster for file transfer and allows for transferring large files more efficiently.
Use
- HTTP is the basis of any data distributed over the web, making it possible to display text, images, audio, video, etc. in a web browser.
- FTP is commonly used in enterprise networks and website management to transfer files to a web server, or to share files between systems on a network.
Although these two protocols may have overlapping functions, they are designed for different purposes and are used in different situations depending on specific data transfer needs.
Related terms
