What is the difference between TCP and UDP protocols in computer networks?

Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) and User Datagram Protocol (UDP) are two commonly used protocols in computer networks. Here are the primary differences between them:

• Reliability: TCP is a connection-oriented protocol that ensures reliable data delivery by retransmitting lost packets and ensuring correct ordering of data. UDP is connectionless and does not guarantee reliable delivery or packet sequencing.
• Protocol overhead: TCP has more protocol overhead due to its features like error checking, flow control, and congestion control, which can slow down the transmission speed. UDP has less overhead, making it faster but less reliable.
• Applications: TCP is commonly used for applications that require data accuracy and reliability, such as web browsing, email, and file transfer. UDP is preferred for real-time applications like video streaming, online gaming, and VoIP, where speed is prioritized over reliability.
• Usage: TCP is suited for scenarios where data integrity and order are crucial, while UDP is more appropriate for situations where low latency and high speed are essential, even if it means occasional data loss.

It is important to choose the appropriate protocol based on the specific requirements of the application to ensure optimal performance in computer networks.