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What is the_author() Function?
the_author() function allows for the user to add the name of the author on posts. When this php function is added to a page, the author of the post will be displayed. There are different options as to how the user wants the author name displayed in a page, and it can be configured in the "users" section by editing and selecting how the name will be displayed publicly.
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What is the_author_link() Function?
the_author_link function, allows the user to add the author's website URL as a link to the post. This would allow the author to include their website link so users can go to the authors website, which could include all the posts made by this author. This function can also display the authors name.
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Differences/Similarities
The main similarity for these two functions, is that both allow for the authors to display their names on their posts. The main difference is that while the_author_link() allows the author to display their name as a link to their website URL, the_author() does not. the_author function only displays the author name, but it does not add any other functionality to the post. the_author_link can be a good option, as a user can click on that user's name, and could be rerouted to all the posts made by this author.
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Summary
In summary, both of this functions allow authors to add their name to recent posts. While they are not the same, in a way they both have the same purpose as they display the name of the author for information for the users, and to be able to reference or look for more information about the author if they wanted to.