Network ProtocolHTTP vs TCP
HTTP and TCP are both protocols that are used for communication between devices on a network. The main difference between is that HTTP is a stateless protocol while TCP is a stateful protocol. This means that with HTTP, each request is independent of all other requests. With TCP, each request is dependent on all other requests. This difference can impact the scalability of a system.
Which One Should I Use?
This depends on your system design goals. If you need to create a system that can handle large amounts of traffic, then HTTP may be the better option because it is stateless and can therefore scale more easily. If you need to create a system with reliable data transfer, then TCP may be the better option because it is stateful and can ensure that data is not lost in transit. Ultimately, the decision of which protocol to use should be based on your specific system design requirements.
Connection-Oriented vs Stateless Protocols
TCP is what's known as a connection-oriented protocol. This means that before any data can be transmitted, a connection must first be established between the two devices. Once the connection is established, data can flow freely back and forth between the devices. Importantly, TCP guarantees that all data will be delivered in the same order in which it was sent—no matter how long it takes. This makes TCP an ideal protocol for applications where data integrity is critical, such as email or file transfer.
HTTP, on the other hand, is known as a stateless request-response protocol. This means that each request is independent of all other requests—there is no need to establish a connection before transmitting data. This also means that HTTP cannot guarantee that data will be delivered in the same order in which it was sent. However, this drawback is offset by the fact that stateless protocols are much simpler to implement than connection-oriented protocols. This makes HTTP an ideal choice for applications where speed and simplicity are more important than data integrity, such as web browsing or streaming video.