What is the difference between HTTP and HTTPS?

The main difference between HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) and HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure) lies in their security and data encryption capabilities:

HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol): HTTP is the standard protocol used for transmitting data over the internet. It is the foundation of data communication for the World Wide Web. However, HTTP does not provide any encryption or security measures for the data being transmitted between the client (such as a web browser) and the server. This means that data sent over HTTP is vulnerable to interception and manipulation by malicious actors.
HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure): HTTPS is an extension of HTTP that incorporates encryption and security features to protect the integrity and confidentiality of data transmitted over the internet. HTTPS uses SSL/TLS (Secure Sockets Layer/Transport Layer Security) encryption protocols to encrypt data exchanged between the client and the server. This encryption prevents eavesdropping and tampering, ensuring that sensitive information such as login credentials, payment details, and personal data remains secure during transmission.
In summary, the primary difference between HTTP and HTTPS is that HTTPS provides secure communication over the internet by encrypting data, while HTTP does not. Websites that use HTTPS encrypt data transmissions, providing a higher level of security and protection against various security threats compared to websites that use HTTP. As a result, HTTPS is widely recommended for websites, especially those handling sensitive information or conducting online transactions, to ensure the privacy and security of users' data.