HTTP and WWW are two different acronyms used in day-to-day browsing activities. Precisely, the Uniform resource locator is the place where these acronyms come in handy.
HTTP vs WWW
The difference between HTTP and WWW is that the latter is used as a prefix in URLs. HTTP communicates between browsers and servers of a website. Also, HTTP transports data from one machine source to another online.
Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) is a language that communicates between browsers and servers of a website. It defines the way messages are sent and formatted in a web browser.
World Wide Web (WWW) acts as a prefix to the HTTP protocol most of the time. It is a set of linked hypertext records viewed on Chrome, Firefox, and other search engines. Also, it identifies a distinct address as a website.
Comparison Table
| Parameters of Comparison | HTTP | WWW |
|---|---|---|
| Significance | HTTP communicates between browsers and servers of a website. Also, HTTP transports data from one machine source to another online. | WWW is used as a prefix in URLs. |
| Full form | HTTP stands for Hypertext Transfer Protocol. | WWW stands for World Wide Web. |
| Necessity | It is not mandatory to use HTTP in a URL while creating or reaching out to it. | When it comes to Search Engine Optimization, it is important to use a WWW domain. |
| Mutual Relationship | Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) is a language that communicates between browsers and servers of a website. | World Wide Web (WWW) acts as a prefix to the HTTP protocol most of the time. |
| Ports used | HTTPS uses 483 ports for encryption and decryption of data, whereas HTTP uses 80 ports to function. | World Wide Web can act as a domain and a sub-domain that can operate with or without HTTP. |
What is HTTP?
Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) is a language that communicates between browsers and servers of a website. It defines the way messages are sent and formatted in a web browser.
HTTP is a way to make a connection(s) that also secures the transfer of data. It serves text documents and binary files and makes client-server connection feasible.
It ensures that the client-server communication is encrypted over SSL. Also, HTTPS uses 483 ports for encryption and decryption of data. The main use of HTTPS comes into action while doing online transactions by any mode of payment.
What is WWW?
World Wide Web (WWW) acts as a prefix to the HTTP protocol most of the time. It is a set of linked hypertext records, viewed on Chrome, Firefox, and other search engines.
When it comes down to Search Engine Optimization (SEO), it isn’t important to have a WWW domain. One can use a non-WWW domain to run a website.
Also, it can be used throughout with some special exception cases. WWW has no technical purpose, and a website can work without it pretty efficiently too. Almost all the WWW browsers can use other protocols except HTTP.
Main Differences Between HTTP and WWW
- Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) is a language that communicates between browsers and servers of a website, whereas the World Wide Web (WWW) acts as a prefix to the HTTP protocol most of the time.
- HTTPS uses 483 ports for encryption and decryption of data, whereas HTTP uses 80 ports to function. On the other hand, World Wide Web can act as a domain as well as a sub-domain that can operate with or without HTTP.
References
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I am Sandeep Bhandari; I have 20 years of experience in the technology field. I have various technical skills and knowledge in database systems, computer networks, and programming. You can read more about me on my bio page.
