How does SMTP differ from HTTP?

The distinction between SMTP and HTTP primarily lies in their respective functions. SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) is specifically designed for the transmission of email messages across networks. It defines how email clients and servers communicate to send and receive email. On the other hand, HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) serves as the foundational protocol for transferring web content, such as HTML documents, images, and other resources over the internet. This clear division in purpose underscores that SMTP is integral to email services, while HTTP is essential for browsing and accessing web pages.

The focus of SMTP on emails includes handling tasks related to mail sending, queuing, and storing messages, which contrasts sharply with the role of HTTP in delivering and retrieving resources for web applications. This fundamental difference highlights why the first option is the accurate characterization of how SMTP differs from HTTP in terms of their intended uses.