HTTPS File Transfer vs SFTP

Developers should use HTTPS File Transfer when they need to securely exchange files in web applications, cloud services, or automated workflows, as it avoids the security risks of plain HTTP or FTP meets developers should learn and use sftp when they need to securely transfer files between systems, such as deploying code to production servers, backing up data, or managing remote file systems in cloud environments. Here's our take.

HTTPS File Transfer

Nice Pick

Developers should use HTTPS File Transfer when they need to securely exchange files in web applications, cloud services, or automated workflows, as it avoids the security risks of plain HTTP or FTP

Pros

• It is ideal for scenarios like uploading user documents, distributing software updates, or backing up data to remote servers, where encryption and authentication are critical
• Related to: ssl-tls, http-protocol

Cons

• Specific tradeoffs depend on your use case

SFTP

Developers should learn and use SFTP when they need to securely transfer files between systems, such as deploying code to production servers, backing up data, or managing remote file systems in cloud environments

Pros

• It is essential for scenarios requiring encrypted file transfers over untrusted networks, like handling sensitive configuration files, logs, or user data, and is commonly integrated into CI/CD pipelines, automated scripts, and server administration tasks
• Related to: ssh, file-transfer

Cons

• Specific tradeoffs depend on your use case

The Verdict

These tools serve different purposes. HTTPS File Transfer is a tool while SFTP is a protocol. We picked HTTPS File Transfer based on overall popularity, but your choice depends on what you're building.

The Bottom Line

HTTPS File Transfer wins

Based on overall popularity. HTTPS File Transfer is more widely used, but SFTP excels in its own space.