How do TCP and UDP differ in their approach to data delivery?

TCP and UDP are two fundamental protocols used for data transmission over the Internet, and they have distinctly different approaches to handling data delivery. The correct statement that TCP is connection-oriented while UDP is connectionless accurately captures the essential characteristic that differentiates these protocols.

TCP, or Transmission Control Protocol, establishes a connection between the sender and receiver before data transmission begins. This connection setup involves a handshake process that ensures both ends are prepared for communication. TCP provides reliable delivery of packets by incorporating error-checking mechanisms, acknowledgments, and retransmission of lost packets, which are crucial in applications where data integrity is paramount, such as web browsing and file transfers.

In contrast, UDP, or User Datagram Protocol, operates without establishing a dedicated end-to-end connection. It sends data packets independently, which means that it does not perform handshakes or guarantee the delivery of packets. This connectionless nature allows UDP to transmit data more quickly and with less overhead, making it suitable for applications like video streaming and online gaming, where speed is more critical than reliability.

The other choices do not accurately represent the fundamental differences between TCP and UDP, particularly with respect to their operational models and reliability.