What is the difference between a composite (cone) volcano and a shield volcano?

Composite cone volcanoes are made out of alternate layers of magma and ash deposits whereas shiled volcanoes consist mainly of magma deposits only.

composite cone volcanoes are also steeper sided whereas shield volcanoes have a shallower slope angle and with a wider base than a composite volcano

composite volcanoes erupt in a explosive style due to acidic (thicker) magma, where as shield volcanoes erupt less explosively (more gently) due to basic (thinner, water like) magma