Introduction
HTTP is a widely used protocol for web pages. Google, however, suggested that websites convert to HTTPS back in 2014. Up until that point, only e-commerce-focused websites made a positive effort to employ HTTPS. It provides a standard for web browsers that enables user information transfer over the internet. Many websites access any file or page using HTTP. The HTTPS protocol is normally utilized in situations where we need to enter login information. Both protocols, HTTP and HTTPS, are defined differently in the latest browsers like Chrome.
What is HTTP?
A protocol for data communication is called Hypertext Transfer Protocol. It serves as the basis of Internet data communication. HTTP defines standard communication protocol for web browsers and servers. To create a logical link between text-containing nodes, HTTP uses hypertext structured text. Since each command is executed independently without using a prior ran command’s reference, it is also referred to as a “stateless protocol.”
What is HTTPS?
Hyper Text Transfer Protocol Secure is known as HTTPS. It is a very highly advanced and safe version of HTTP. By using SSL to encrypt all communication, it enables secure transactions. It combines HTTP and the SSL/TLS protocol. It provides a network server’s identification in an encrypted and effortless way.
Difference Between HTTP and HTTPS
The below table demonstrates what is difference between HTTP and HTTPS:
| Sr. No. | HTTP | HTTPS |
| 1 | It is the hypertext transfer protocol. | It is a hypertext transfer protocol with security. |
| 2 | URLs for HTTP start with HTTP:// | URLs for HTTP start with HTTPS:// |
| 3 | It works well with blogs and other informational websites. | It is a more secure protocol if the website needs to collect sensitive data, such as credit card numbers. |
| 4 | Encryption is not used on HTTP websites. | Data encryption is used on HTTPS websites. |
| 5 | SSL is not required for HTTP sites. | SSL certificates are needed for HTTPS. |
| 6 | The HTTP uses port 80 to transmit data. | HTTPS uses port number 443 to transfer data. |
| 7 | The HTTP protocol operates at the application layer | The HTTPS protocol works on the transport layer. |
| 8 | It is less secure than hackers could be able to access the data. | Hackers will not be able to access sensitive data due to this system. It is protected against such assaults. |
| 9 | HTTP does not raise search engine results. | HTTPS assists in raising search engine rankings. |
| 10 | The page loading speed is fast. | Due to the additional feature, security, that it enables, the page’s loading time is slower than HTTP. |
| 11 | Vulnerable to hackers | Due to the data being encrypted before being transmitted across a network, it is completely safe. |
| 12 | It operates at TCP/IP level. | There is no separate protocol for HTTPS. HTTP is used for operation; however, TLS/SSL is used for encryption. |
Conclusion
In short, both are protocols that allow a web server and a web browser to exchange data related to a specific website. HTTPS was first used for online transactions, however today practically all types of websites use it. Using HTTPS on your website might also result in additional benefits like improved site performance and SEO gains.
