FTP vs Apache Thrift

The granddaddy of file transfer, still kicking around like a stubborn old uncle who refuses to retire meets the polyglot's duct tape for stitching together services, because sometimes you just need to make java talk to python without the drama. Here's our take.

FTP

Nice Pick

The granddaddy of file transfer, still kicking around like a stubborn old uncle who refuses to retire.

Pros

• Widely supported across all platforms and systems
• Simple and straightforward for basic file transfers
• No fancy dependencies or setup required

Cons

• Transfers data in plain text, making it a security nightmare
• Requires separate control and data connections, which can be a hassle with firewalls

Apache Thrift

The polyglot's duct tape for stitching together services, because sometimes you just need to make Java talk to Python without the drama.

Pros

• Cross-language compatibility with support for over 20 programming languages
• Efficient binary protocol for high-performance communication
• Code generation from IDL reduces boilerplate and ensures type safety

Cons

• Steep learning curve for IDL and setup compared to simpler REST APIs
• Limited community and documentation for less popular language bindings

The Verdict

Use FTP if: You want widely supported across all platforms and systems and can live with transfers data in plain text, making it a security nightmare.

Use Apache Thrift if: You prioritize cross-language compatibility with support for over 20 programming languages over what FTP offers.

The Bottom Line

FTP wins

The granddaddy of file transfer, still kicking around like a stubborn old uncle who refuses to retire.