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What is the difference between TCP and UDP protocols, and when to use one over the other?

When comparing TCP and UDP protocols, the key difference lies in their connection-oriented (TCP) versus connectionless (UDP) nature. TCP ensures reliable data delivery with error-checking, sequencing, and retransmission capabilities, making it ideal for applications that require data integrity, such as file transfers and email communications.

On the other hand, UDP is faster and more efficient for real-time applications like streaming media, online gaming, and VoIP, where speed and lower latency are prioritized over guaranteed delivery. UDP does not provide error-checking or retransmission mechanisms, making it suitable for time-sensitive data transmission.

In summary, use TCP for applications that require reliable data transmission and integrity, while opting for UDP in scenarios where speed and efficiency are critical, but potential data loss is acceptable.

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