What are the key differences between TCP and UDP in networking?

Key Differences Between TCP and UDP in Networking

TCP (Transmission Control Protocol)

• Connection-oriented protocol
• Reliable and ensures delivery of data packets
• Provides flow control and error-checking mechanisms
• Slower but more secure
• Used for applications that require reliable communication, such as web browsing and email

UDP (User Datagram Protocol)

• Connectionless protocol
• Unreliable and does not guarantee delivery of data packets
• Does not have built-in error-checking or flow control mechanisms
• Faster but less secure
• Used for applications that can tolerate some data loss, such as streaming video or online gaming

Overall, the choice between TCP and UDP depends on the specific requirements of the application and the importance of data reliability.