TCP vs UDP: Key Differences
TCP (Transmission Control Protocol)
Characteristics:
- Connection-Oriented: Establishes a connection before data transfer.
- Reliable: Ensures data is delivered accurately and in order.
- Higher Overhead: Due to error checking and connection management.
Example Scenario: Suitable for applications where data accuracy is critical, like sending emails or transferring files.
UDP (User Datagram Protocol)
Characteristics:
- Connectionless: Sends data without establishing a connection.
- Unreliable: No guarantee of data delivery or order.
- Lower Overhead: Less data is sent with each packet, making it faster.
Example Scenario: Ideal for applications where speed is more important than accuracy, like streaming videos or online gaming.
Summary
TCP: Use when you need reliable communication and can tolerate some overhead. Examples: Web browsing, email.
UDP: Use when speed is crucial and occasional data loss is acceptable. Examples: Video calls, live streaming.