TCP vs UDP: Which One Should You Choose for Your Next App?

Recently, while diving deeper into Computer Networks, I stumbled upon a really interesting question! "When should we use TCP and when should we use UDP?" At first, it felt simple — two protocols, just pick one, right? But as I explored more, I realized this question is not just technical — it’s very practical and even might frequently be asked in interviews! So I thought, why not share this learning in a way that’s easy to understand for everyone? First Things First: Where Do TCP and UDP Fit? Before we compare TCP and UDP, it's important to know where they belong. Both TCP and UDP are part of the Transport Layer of the TCP/IP model . The TCP/IP model is a fundamental framework that guides how data moves across networks like the Internet ensuring reliable communication between devices. The layers are: Application Layer (Presentation + Session) — Your apps (browser, mail client, etc.) Transport Layer — Responsible for delivering data (hello, TCP and UDP!) Network Layer — Deals with routing (IP addresses, paths). Network Access Layer (Data Link + Physical) — Physical sending of data (Wi-Fi, Ethernet, etc.) Understanding this made me realize:- TCP and UDP are like two different delivery systems sitting right between your app and the network! Then, What Exactly is TCP? As I dug further, I found that TCP stands for Transmission Control Protocol. What makes TCP special:

Apr 27, 2025 - 10:52

TCP vs UDP: Which One Should You Choose for Your Next App?

Recently, while diving deeper into Computer Networks, I stumbled upon a really interesting question!
"When should we use TCP and when should we use UDP?"

At first, it felt simple — two protocols, just pick one, right?

But as I explored more, I realized this question is not just technical — it’s very practical and even might frequently be asked in interviews!

So I thought, why not share this learning in a way that’s easy to understand for everyone?

First Things First: Where Do TCP and UDP Fit?

Before we compare TCP and UDP, it's important to know where they belong.

Both TCP and UDP are part of the Transport Layer of the TCP/IP model .

The TCP/IP model is a fundamental framework that guides how data moves across networks like the Internet ensuring reliable communication between devices.

The layers are:

Application Layer (Presentation + Session) — Your apps (browser, mail client, etc.)
Transport Layer — Responsible for delivering data (hello, TCP and UDP!)
Network Layer — Deals with routing (IP addresses, paths).
Network Access Layer (Data Link + Physical) — Physical sending of data (Wi-Fi, Ethernet, etc.)

Understanding this made me realize:-
TCP and UDP are like two different delivery systems sitting right between your app and the network!

Then, What Exactly is TCP?

As I dug further, I found that TCP stands for Transmission Control Protocol.

What makes TCP special: