DNS vs HTTPS
DNS (Domain Name System) and HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure) both come up in technology conversations and get confused. Here's the plain-English difference, side by side, so you can use each one with confidence.
The key difference: DNS refers to domain name system, while HTTPS refers to hypertext transfer protocol secure — they describe different things even when they show up in the same sentence.
DNS — Domain Name System
The internet system that translates human-readable domain names (google.com) into IP addresses that computers use to connect.
HTTPS — Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure
An encrypted version of HTTP using TLS. HTTPS protects data in transit between browser and server.
When to use DNS
Reach for "DNS" when the conversation is specifically about domain name system. The internet system that translates human-readable domain names (google.com) into IP addresses that computers use to connect.
When to use HTTPS
Reach for "HTTPS" when the conversation is specifically about hypertext transfer protocol secure. An encrypted version of HTTP using TLS. HTTPS protects data in transit between browser and server.
FAQs
What is the difference between DNS and HTTPS?
DNS stands for Domain Name System — The internet system that translates human-readable domain names (google.com) into IP addresses that computers use to connect. HTTPS stands for Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure — An encrypted version of HTTP using TLS. HTTPS protects data in transit between browser and server.
Are DNS and HTTPS the same thing?
No. They're often used in the same conversation because they're related, but they describe different concepts. DNS = Domain Name System. HTTPS = Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure.
When should I use DNS vs HTTPS?
Use DNS when you're specifically referring to domain name system. Use HTTPS when the topic is hypertext transfer protocol secure.