HTTP uses a standard set of rules for transferring data, while HTTPS uses a secure version of HTTP that includes encryption to protect the data being transmitted. This means that HTTPS is more secure than HTTP, but it also requires a little more overhead to set up and use.
One of the main advantages of HTTPS is that it provides an added layer of security for sensitive information, such as credit card numbers or passwords. This is because the data sent over an HTTPS connection is encrypted, making it much more difficult for anyone to intercept and read it. This is especially important for websites that handle sensitive information, such as online banks or e-commerce sites.
Another key difference between HTTP and HTTPS is the way in which data is transmitted. HTTP uses a plaintext connection, which means that the data sent between a web server and a client is not encrypted and can be easily intercepted. HTTPS, on the other hand, uses a secure SSL/TLS connection to encrypt the data, making it much more difficult for anyone to intercept and read it.
In addition to providing an added layer of security, HTTPS can also improve the overall performance of a website. This is because the SSL/TLS connection used by HTTPS requires additional computing resources, which can slow down the transmission of data. However, modern web browsers and web servers are able to handle the additional load, resulting in improved performance for websites that use HTTPS.
Overall, the main difference between HTTP and HTTPS is the added layer of security provided by the latter. While HTTP is still widely used, HTTPS is becoming increasingly popular, particularly for websites that handle sensitive information. By using HTTPS, businesses can protect their customers’ information and improve the overall security of their online operations.