What is the difference between HTTP and HTTPS
HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) is a protocol by which hypertext is transferred across the Web. The problem is that the HTTP data is not encrypted, and can be intercepted by third parties to collect the data that is being passed between the two systems.
HTTPS (Hyper Text Transfer Protocol Secure) is the secure version of HTTP, the protocol over which data is sent between your browser and the website you are connected to. The ‘S’ at the end of HTTPS stands for ‘Secure’. It means that all communications between your browser and the website are encrypted.
Differences between HTTP and HTTPS
- In HTTP, the URL starts with “http://” while the URL starts with “https://”
- HTTP uses port number 80 for communication, HTTPS uses port 443
- HTTP is considered insecure and HTTPS is secure
- HTTP works with an application layer (Application Layer) and HTTPS works on (Transport Layer)
- In HTTP, encryption is absent, in HTTPS and encryption is present.
- HTTP does not require any certificates and HTTPS requires SSL certificates.
Advantages of HTTP
- HTTP can be implemented with another protocol on the Internet or on other networks
- HTTP pages are stored in computer and Internet caches, making it quickly accessible
- HTTP is platform independent allowing cross-platform portability.
- HTTP does not need any runtime support.
- HTTP is connectionless; so there is no network overhead to create and maintain session state and information
Advantages of HTTPS
- HTTPS allows you to redirect websites that start with HTTP. So even if you type HTTP:// it will redirect to an https over a secure connection.
- HTTPS allows users to conduct secure e-commerce transactions, such as online banking.
- SSL technology protects any user and builds trust.
- HTTPS verifies the identity of the certificate holder. Each SSL certificate contains unique and authenticated information about the owner of the certificate.
