Web Technologies - Old Questions

2.  Differentiate between HTTP and FTP. Discuss 3-tier technology with suitable example.

Difference between HTTP and FTP

HTTP: HTTP is a Hyper Text Transfer Protocol. It helps in accessing data from the World Wide Web.

FTP: FTP is a File Transfer Protocol. It is used to copy a file from one host to another.

• The basic difference between HTTP and FTP is that HTTP is used to access different websites on the internet. On the other hand, the FTP is used to transfer files from one host to the another.
• HTTP establishes data connection only whereas, the FTP establishes data as well as control connection.
• HTTP uses the TCP’s port number 80 whereas, FTP uses TCP’s port number 20 and 21.
• In case you are using HTTP, http appears in the URL of the website and if you are using FTP, ftp appears in your URL.
• HTTP is efficient to transfer smaller files like web pages whereas, FTP is efficient to transfer large files.
• HTTP does not require authentication whereas, FTP uses the password for authentication.
• Web pages or data content transferred to a device using HTTP are not saved in the memory of that device whereas, the data delivered to a device using FTP is saved in the memory of that device.

 3-Tier Architecture

In 3-tier architecture, there is an intermediary level between client and server, meaning the architecture is generally split up between:

– A client, i.e. the computer, which requests the resources, equipped with a user interface (usually a web browser) for presentation purposes

– The application server (also called middleware), whose task it is to provide the requested resources, but by calling on another server

– The data server, which provides the application server with the data it requires.