WebDAV Vs FTP –How do they compare
WebDAV and FTP can both be used to transfer files between networks through the internet. However, there is little information about WebDAV other than that available on its official website, so how do the two compare in performance?
WebDAV is a protocol that is designed to allow users to transfer and edit files and other forms of data through a web server. In addition to this, it can be used with collaborative applications like revision tracking and file locking.
FTP is an abbreviation for File Transfer Protocol, which is a simple IP based network protocol designed to allow for the transfer of files between users. Its service is primarily based on its server-client architecture which works when the client program acts as the initiator of the connection and once this connection is established with the server, it sends and receives files in relation to the server. Its only security measure is its plain text password authentication, which makes it vulnerable to hacking and other cyber-attacks.
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Why would they be compared?
WebDAV and FTP would be compared because of their ability to perform the same task; transfer of files between users. However, they do so very differently and this is not the main task associated with WebDAV, making the comparison rather challenging. An easier comparison would be FTP and HTTPS.
Conclusion
The main hindrance to a detailed comparison of WebDAV and FTP is the lack of information available, since WebDAV is fairly net to the IT market and is still making a name for itself. WebDAV was designed to do so much more than transfer files between users including allowing of file edits, making it wider and more diverse than FTP which has a singular purpose and ability.
FAQs
Is WebDAV faster than FTP?
Yes, it is. This is because unlike FTP that uses two TCP port connections, WebDAV uses only one and does not need to make data connections for each file when sending multiple files to the same user.
