FTP or HTTP – What’s the Difference?
Posted on May 26, 2008 - Filed Under Technology |
Are you curious about the differences between FTP and HTTP? FTP stands for File Transfer Protocol, and this is the protocol that is most often used for transferring files between servers and computers, or computers and computers. When you see a URL with the “ftp” in it, you know that you will be connecting to a file server and that a transfer of files will be taking place via an FTP Site. Usually you have to log in before any file transfers occur.
HTTP or Hyper Text Transfer Protocol differs from FTP in that files are only transferred from a web server to your Internet browser for viewing. FTP involves an actual transfer of files to or from your computer’s memory. HTTP does not. FTP is a two-way system, while HTTP is a one-way system. When you log on to the majority of websites through your browser, HTTP is involved, which you can tell by looking at the URL.
FTP sites and software are important tools that enable you to download and upload big files through the Internet. Instead of having to physically transfer files via memory cards or discs, you can simply upload large files which can then be downloaded immediately.
FTP is a simple, fast way to transfer files, while HTTP is an efficient way to view them. The two different types of protocols are used millions and millions of times every day by Internet users.
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