TCP vs FTP

The internet's reliable old workhorse meets the granddaddy of file transfer, still kicking around like a stubborn old uncle who refuses to retire. Here's our take.

TCP

Nice Pick

The internet's reliable old workhorse. It'll get your data there, but don't expect it to be fast or flashy.

Pros

• Guaranteed data delivery with error-checking and retransmission
• Maintains packet order for seamless application communication
• Built-in flow control prevents overwhelming slow receivers

Cons

• Connection setup overhead adds latency compared to UDP
• Congestion control can throttle performance in high-traffic networks

FTP

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

The Verdict

Use TCP if: You want guaranteed data delivery with error-checking and retransmission and can live with connection setup overhead adds latency compared to udp.

Use FTP if: You prioritize widely supported across all platforms and systems over what TCP offers.

The Bottom Line

TCP wins

The internet's reliable old workhorse. It'll get your data there, but don't expect it to be fast or flashy.