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Glossary Web & HTTP

HTTP

HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) is the protocol browsers and servers use to request and send web pages, files and data.

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In more detail

A client sends a request with a method (GET to read, POST to submit, PUT, DELETE and others), a URL and headers; the server replies with a status code, headers and usually a body. HTTP is stateless: each request stands alone, which is why cookies and tokens exist. The encrypted form is HTTPS.

Try these tools

HTTP Headers Viewer

View your own browser's HTTP headers or analyze the headers of any public website.

HTTP Status Code Lookup

Look up the meaning and category of any HTTP status code, from 100 to 599.

See also

  • Glossary HTTPS
    HTTPS is HTTP sent over an encrypted TLS connection, which keeps traffic private and confirms the identity of the server.
  • Glossary Cookie
    A cookie is a small piece of data a website stores in your browser and sends back with later requests.
  • Cheat sheet HTTP Status Codes Cheat Sheet
    The HTTP status codes you will actually meet, grouped by class, with the pairs people confuse (401 vs 403.
  • Cheat sheet HTTP Headers Cheat Sheet
    Request and response headers, Cache-Control directives, security headers, cookie attributes and CORS headers.
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