HTTP vs Apache Thrift

The internet's default language 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.

HTTP

Nice Pick

The internet's default language. It's everywhere, but good luck debugging its quirks without a headache.

Pros

• Universally supported across all web platforms and devices
• Simple request-response model makes it easy to understand and implement
• Stateless nature allows for scalable and flexible server architectures

Cons

• Lacks built-in security, requiring HTTPS for encryption and authentication
• Can be verbose and inefficient for real-time or high-performance applications

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 HTTP if: You want universally supported across all web platforms and devices and can live with lacks built-in security, requiring https for encryption and authentication.

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

The Bottom Line

HTTP wins

The internet's default language. It's everywhere, but good luck debugging its quirks without a headache.