Question

What is the major difference between Fourier Transform and Z-Transform??

Answer 1

The Fourier Transform works on continuous time varying signals while Z-transform works on discrete time varying signals

Answer 2

Fourier transform is the analysis and synthesis of continuous time varying signals Fourier Transform can be generalized that is to define a signal by basis signals and For periodic signals using periodic signals like SINE and COS .. where as Z transform deals with discrete time signals simply the signals that arent moniterd for continuous time .. As one domain is never enuf to completely define a signal

Answer 3

In discrete time signal, we use ZT or DTFT(discrete time fourier transform). The difference is that ZT is more general version. Z can be any complex. When ZT converges on unit circle(e^jw) then it becomes to fourier transform.

Answer 4

And., there is no physical meaning in z except when z=e^jw. I noted w for digital angular frequency.
In conclusion, there is also discrete time version of Fourier transform, not just continuous time version. And, discrete time fourier transform is a special case of ZT. It is analogous to laplace transform and continuous time fourier transform in continuous time.