What is the difference between TCP and UDP in networking?

When it comes to networking, the main difference between TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) and UDP (User Datagram Protocol) lies in their connection-oriented and connectionless nature.

TCP: TCP is a connection-oriented protocol that ensures reliable data delivery through features such as error-checking, acknowledgment of receipt, and retransmission of lost packets. It establishes a logical connection before data transfer and guarantees delivery in the same order as it was sent.

UDP: UDP, on the other hand, is a connectionless protocol that focuses on speed and efficiency. It does not guarantee delivery or order of packets, making it ideal for real-time applications like video streaming or online gaming where some data loss is acceptable for the sake of speed.

Overall, TCP is preferred for applications that require reliable and accurate data transmission, while UDP is favored for applications that prioritize speed and lower latency.