TCP vs HTTP

The internet's reliable old workhorse meets the internet's default language. 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

HTTP

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

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 HTTP if: You prioritize universally supported across all web platforms and devices 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.