Comparing HTTP and FTP for transferring files

Question

What are the advantages (or limitations) of one over the other for transferring files over the Internet?

(I am aware of secure forms of both protocols. I\'d like to

Answer 1

One consideration is that FTP can use non-standard ports, which can make getting though firewalls difficult (especially if you're using SSL). HTTP is typically on a known port, so this is rarely a problem.

If you do decide to use FTP, make sure you read about Active and Passive FTP.

In terms of performance, at the end of the day they're both spewing files directly down TCP connections so should be about the same.