What are the differences between FTP and HTTP?

FTP and HTTP are different protocols used for transferring data over the internet, with distinct functionalities and uses.

FTP, or File Transfer Protocol, is a standard network protocol used for the transfer of computer files between a client and server on a computer network. It was developed in the 1970s to support file sharing between users and servers, and it's still widely used today for uploading and downloading files. FTP uses two separate connections for data transfer: the control connection and the data connection. The control connection is used for sending control information such as user identification, password, and commands to the server, while the data connection is used for transferring the actual files.

HTTP, or Hypertext Transfer Protocol, on the other hand, is a protocol used for transmitting hypertext over the internet. Hypertext is structured text that uses logical links (hyperlinks) between nodes containing text. HTTP is the foundation of any data exchange on the Web, and it is a protocol used for transmitting web pages. Unlike FTP, HTTP uses only one connection for data transfer, and it is stateless, meaning it doesn't retain any record of previous interactions.

The main difference between FTP and HTTP is their purpose. FTP is designed for transferring files efficiently, while HTTP is designed for transmitting hypertext and other information needed to display web pages. FTP requires two connections to transfer data and maintains a state between transactions, while HTTP uses only one connection and is stateless.

Another key difference is in the way they handle data. FTP transfers data in binary format, which makes it suitable for transferring all types of files, including text, image, video, and software. HTTP, however, transfers data in the form of plain text, HTML, XML, or JSON, which are primarily used for web pages.

In terms of security, FTP is less secure than HTTP. FTP sends data, including passwords, in plain text, which can be intercepted and read by anyone who has access to the network. HTTP, however, can be made secure (HTTPS) by using SSL/TLS protocol to encrypt the data during transmission.