What Is the Difference Between an FTP Site & an HTTP Site?
The File Transfer Protocol and the Hypertext Transfer Protocol are both methods for transferring data across a network or the Internet. However, they operate with very different methods. An FTP site, is more usually termed an FTP server, or file server. An HTTP site is better known as a website and it resides on a Web server.
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Access Methods
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Web browsers were created to display HTML (Hypertext Markup Language), which is transferred by HTTP. Web browsers are also able to access FTP servers; however, in order to cater to this form of access, the FTP site usually includes some form of HTML page to present a guide to the user. FTP sites normally operate without any graphical user interface and rely on the FTP client on the user's computer to present an interpretation between underlying commands and easy to use buttons and displays. When the FTP site presents a Web page, it is really acting as a website. A pure FTP site does not have any direct user interface.
Purpose
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An FTP server's purpose is to store files. It usually sends those files out on request, but can also accept files for storage. The Web server also stores files and sends them out to clients. The return of files from clients to the server is rare and usually restricted to the owner of the website. The FTP site releases files in their entirety; the Web server dumps out the contents of an HTML file in a message to the client's browser. FTP files are meant to be copied and stored on the client's computer; the website's files are meant to be displayed on the client's browser and then forgotten.
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Connections
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FTP sites and HTTP sites establish connections in a different manner. The HTTP web server receives a request for a resource, replies with the requested contents and then communication closes. FTP sites establish connections with their clients. There is a login process, and the connection becomes a link along which a series of messages are exchanged. The FTP site establishes two links with its client. One passes commands and control data, the other channels data.
Transfer Method
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An HTTP site does not, by default, pass an entire file structure. It transfers the contents of files. The FTP site transfers the structure of the file so that the arriving data is stored in a nominated location on the client's computer. The FTP site understands a wider range of commands specifically related to file structures. The client can specify whether the file should be transferred as text or as binary. Although FTP sites can display welcome screens and HTTP sites can make files available for download, these are side functions of each site type and not their main purpose.
Command Structure
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FTP contains a command set. It was originally designed to run at the operating system's prompt and not through a user interface (as with HTTP). Users of FTP sites are able to not only request files, but also to explore the directory structure, move files and change file access permissions. The HTTP command set is implemented only by an application and not directly entered by the user.
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References
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