Before getting into the whole socks vs HTTP server debate, a brief look at the world in which they operate, which is the internet. The internet is, as it stands, one of the most important inventions in human history as it allows for global and instant connection among various people. The same internet is filled with illegal data miners that could get you hacked. Certain innovations have to be created to stop them and proxies are among the best.
A proxy is a piece of technology that keeps IPs hidden, ensuring that users remain anonymous to hackers and other similar parties according to PrivateProxy. There are many types of proxies and two of them are the HTTP and socks variety. The socks vs http proxy server question should be asked as they are two of the most common and choosing between them requires the following information.
Defining the http versions
As one of the most popular servers out there HTTP proxies are highly sought after. They work as a sort of data transfer mechanism that is linked to particular browsers. Each proxy functions in a standard host and port system that is specific to each browser and the HTTP can use a mode known as CONNECT which accesses this system.
HTTP can also be given extra security in the form of Secure Sockets Layers or SSL. For the proxy of this type, all data that passes through will be encrypted and thus more secure. The popularity of this type of proxy is due to the encryption feature, which makes it perfect for sensitive financial information.
Defining the SOCKS versions
Tersionshere have been many versions of the SOCK type of proxy ranging from the original model through to the fifth. Based on the Socket Secure protocol, this proxy was intended to go through firewalls while using various ports to function. Many versions of this proxy have been created and each of them is specialized to operate in specific environments.
Some were built to work under TCP conditions as well as being given to IP addresses alone. Throughout the years, they have been able to function by being given domains to deal with it in isolation. There was a time in which the authorization was by ident protocol, but modern technology has allowed for them to be authorized in the presence of a string handshake.
These servers are popular to an extent with most of this popularity stemming from their ability to pass through firewalls without compromising speed. In addition to this, the titles accompanying data groups are under no risk of being changed which is rare among other proxies. It is this speed and reliability that makes them perfect for high-speed data management and collection.
Which one to choose?
The choice between these two proxies requires you to truly understand the areas in which one of them bests the other. HTTP and SOCKS proxies each have their strengths and weaknesses and these characteristics make them perfect for certain duties and not so much for others. The following are just a few categories in which both specialized servers can be compared against each other:
The more secure server
Security is the main reason proxies are created, but how each server ensures this particular feature is not going to be at the same level. As mentioned earlier the ability to encrypt data between the user and the server is highly desirable.
Unfortunately, neither version has this ability. The SOCKS security is more than serviceable, but its counterpart, in particular, stands out as the least secure because they are unable to decipher data without the user realizing what is occurring.
Data scraping, multiple account management, sneaker shopping – these are only a few examples of how secure proxies can save you time. For choosing the best proxy provider for a specific task, it’s great to understand your own needs and requests.
The most compatible server
When it comes to the versatility of the proxies, a case can be made for both as they can be used for multiple tasks. As proxies typically need some form of complimentary device to help them function. This is where HTTP versions shine the most as they have a seemingly unlimited level of compatibility. Almost all tools available can use these proxies which directly oppose their SOCKS counterparts.
The fastest and best performing server
As far as speed is concerned, SOCKS servers are designed for speed as mentioned above, and are often sought after for this very purpose. HTTP versions on the other hand tend to struggle with this because they are often public and free.
This means the likelihood of slowing down the system as well as overloading it is high. That said, certain providers do offer the option of having a more private proxy which will greatly improve the speed and perhaps even the security.
The more functional server
How these two servers are used also determines which one you are likely to choose. HTTPS and their more secure state are best used to gather data via browsers, their compatibility also allows them to perform other general functions. SOCKS servers are the premier proxy type for general internet activities such as streaming and the sharing of files, all done without compromising speed.
Final thoughts
The decision that should be made if it comes down to these specific servers heavily depends on you and your personal and/or business needs as well as the programming language used. Neither is better than the other, per se, but both of them have certain characteristics that make them suited for particular jobs. At the same time, both of these servers come with their advantages and disadvantages which should all be taken into account when making the final decision.
To get to this moment, there has to be consideration of the other types of servers in case neither socks nor HTTPS is working for you. This means that you should find a provider that can offer a variety of proxies that may be able to help you on your way.
