Why FTP is better than HTTP?

FTP (File Transfer Protocol) and HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) are both layer protocols that serve the performance of transferring data across the network. Still, several main points distinguish them. HTTP is the means to carrying pages and displaying them on the net. On the other hand, FTP is used to transfer files between two computers. This knowledge base will focus on the FTP to upgrade the HTTP capacity in different circumstances.

1.) File Transfer Efficiency

FTP, although focusing on file transfers, has been tailored for that very operation and does it very well, especially when it comes to large files or large numbers of files. It relies on the same binary mode file transfer to achieve the objectives of not modifying or corrupting the file in the process. In contrast to this, HTTP, which was initially developed only for exchanging text formats of data, may not be efficient enough for transmitting high volumes of binary codes.

2.) Resume Capability

FTP is great because it can restore a file transfer that was interrupted before it was finished. In case of an interruption of file transfer because of a network problem or any other factors, FTP lets you resume the transfer from where it was suspended, unlike those times you had to start all over again. The feature of transferring without the need to connect can be just as time- and bandwidth-saving as it is for transferring large files, especially. Although the HTTP protocol in its regular form does not include native support for the resumption of downloads, it is possible to extend this protocol with such a feature by using additional techniques.

3.) Directory Listing and Navigation

FTP provides a file directory system, which can be used to access directories on a remote server. FTP uses the hierarchy to transfer files from one folder to another or an internal folder within. This function allows the user to manipulate files located in different locations and organize them based on a particular directory structure. BSD, even though it is possible to subscribe for server directory listings, equally requires server-side configurations and also exhibits limited efficiency in relation to FTP directory browsing abilities.

4.) Access Control and Authentication

The FTP protocol enables remote file access with highly protected access rights. It encompasses different authentication types: password/username mechanism, anonymous connection, and stronger authentication procedures like SSL/TLS encryption. Hence, account access control for file transference and data security is deployed, thus allowing authorized users to have access to the information if we reveal that HTTP permits authentication but is unrefined, and it's possible that it is not as tight as FTP.

5.) Third-Party File Transfer

FTP is designed to take in/out files from and to disk through the virtual representing of a file that the client initials, followed by receiving a file transfer between two remote servers, which bypasses the client. This functionality, however, can be viable for the observed instances where a direct server-to-server transfer of files is required, such as a CDN and backup system. HTTP is not capable of the fifth level, given its very essence, and needs the addition of software or configurations to get to where HTTPS does.

6.) Active and Passive Mode Transfers

It also supports both active mode and passive mode transferring protocols, which in turn can be useful in various network environments, especially when working with firewalls and network address translation (NAT). One should remember the reason between active and passive mode transfers. The active mode transfer does the initiation of the client to the server connection. The server initiates the connection to the client with the help of the passive mode transfer. This assures the functioning of FTP in a very large number of network configurations. At the same time at the same time, the use of HTTP practically depends on the client in the process of establishing the connection.

7.) Scripting and Automation

Both FTP clients and servers provide scripting or API support that helps run file transfer processes automatically. This is highly relevant, especially in the use cases where torrent/SFTP transfers on a batch or on a time-table frame are needed. HTTP scripts and automation can be done as well, but FTP automation libraries may have more years of usage and have spread in a greater way.

Limitations of FTP

Among FTP's advantages, stability and consistency stand out, but there's also its disadvantages: FTP doesn't support many services that HTTP provides:

- Security Concerns: FTP is the oldest protocol for the transport of data, and it does not encrypt the information and transmission in a non-obfuscated form, which makes it visible to anyone who can tap the connection, resulting in a security breach. The simple protocol poses a number of security issues, and the security exacted ways, such as SFTP (SSH File Transfer Protocol) and FTPS (FTP over SSL/TLS), have since been widely adopted.

- Firewall and NAT Traversal Issues: Industries with FTP-based networks can have trouble with their firewalls and network address translation (NAT) systems since they are built with port configurations specific to those networks, which do not always work in all networks.

- Limited Web Integration: Though FTP is effective for web content, the means of serving is not web-enabled, and the FTP does not integrate with web applications. HTTP is a very popular web page provider, and Seafront supports web-based applications.

Conclusion

When the goal is about sending files that are precisely secure, controlled transfer, and effective, FTP is the best option over HTTP. It is enabled by its features, like user resumption, directory navigation, access control, and scripting support, all of which become the reason for file transfer managers to be powerful tools. Nonetheless, for web-based data delivery and its integration with web applications, HTTP is the most widely used transfer protocol.

It is necessary to mention that both FTP and HTTP have pros and cons, and you should determine which to take into account based on the characteristics of the circumstances in which you need to apply them. In particular circumstances, it is possible to combine both types of protocols to transfer files with FTP and web content and applications with HTTP.