Most of the time when we browse on the internet, we notice http:// and https:// in front of websites. These two are data transfer protocols that allow data sharing over the web.
The main difference between them is, HTTP is not properly secure, whereas HTTPS uses encryption to provide security.
HTTP (HyperText Transfer Protocol)
HTTP stands for HyperText Transfer Protocol. This is an application layer protocol used for data communication over the World Wide Web.
HTTP uses TCP ( Transmission Control Protocol ) in order to send and receive the data packets over the internet.
It forms a bridge between the client and server that enables them to communicate with each other.
A client makes a request and a server always responds back with appropriate data.
HTTPS (HyperText Transfer Protocol Secure)
HTTPS stands for HyperText Transfer Protocol Secure. It is an upgraded version of HTTP. This is a transport layer protocol used for data communication over the World Wide Web in a more secure manner.
HTTP doesn’t provide a secure connection between client and server and this may expose critical data to intruders who intercept the connection and read all the data moving around that particular connection.
So, websites that deal in monetary transactions such as Banks, Shopping platforms need more secure connections to avoid any type of vulnerability.
Therefore, HTTPs came into the picture. It uses encryption protocols such as SSL or TLS in order to provide a secure connection between client and server.
Difference between HTTP and HTTPS in Tabular form
| Basis | HTTP | HTTPS |
|---|---|---|
| Full form | HyperText Transfer Protocol | HyperText Transfer Protocol Secure |
| Port Number | 80 | 443 |
| Networking Layer | Application layer | Transport layer |
| SSL Certification | Do not required | Required |
| Speed | Fast | Slow |
| Encryption | Don't use encryption techniques | Uses encryption |
| Suitable for | Blogs or public announcement websites | Banking websites, e-commerce websites |
| Begin with | URL starts with http:// | URL starts with https:// |
| Vulnerability | Since, it is not a secure protocol, it is vulnerable to intruders | More Secure as it uses encryption protocols such as SSL or TLS in order to provide a secure connection |
Key differences
1. Full Form
HTTP stands for HyperText Transfer Protocol and is URL begins with http://
HTTPS stands for HyperText Transfer Protocol Secure and its URL begins with https://
2. Port Number
HTTP uses port number 80.
HTTPS uses port number 443.
3. Networking Layer
HTTP works at the application layer.
HTTPS works at the transport layer.
4. Security
HTTP does not have many security measures in many situations.
HTTPS uses encryption techniques for the security of data communication.
5. SSL(Secure Sockets Layer) certification
HTTP sites do not require an SSL certificate.
HTTPS sites are required to have an SSL certificate.
6. Speed
Generally, websites using HTTP protocol loads much faster as these websites don’t perform any type of security procedures. When a web page is requested simply these sites respond back by just transmitting data over the Internet.
On the other hand, websites using HTTPS protocol take some time to load because of the encryption techniques which works behind the scenes before initiating data transmission.
7. Application
The HTTP protocol is best used or suitable for websites that do not have any sensitive information such as blogs or public announcement websites.
The HTTPS protocol is best suitable and used for websites that contain sensitive information such as user name, passwords, payment details etc. Such websites are banking websites, e-commerce websites.
