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The Web Design Glossary

HTTP

[eych-tee-tee-pee]

HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) is the foundation of data communication on the World Wide Web. It functions as a request-response protocol between clients (typically web browsers) and servers, enabling the transfer of hypertext documents, images, videos, and other resources across the internet.

How HTTP Works

HTTP operates through a series of standardized request methods, with the most common being:

  • GET: Requests data from a server
  • POST: Submits data to a server
  • PUT: Updates existing resources on a server
  • DELETE: Removes specified resources
  • HEAD: Requests headers without data
  • OPTIONS: Queries server capabilities

When a user enters a URL or clicks a link, their browser sends an HTTP request to the server. The server processes this request and returns an HTTP response containing the requested information along with a status code indicating the outcome.

HTTP Status Codes

Status codes are three-digit numbers that communicate the result of HTTP requests:

  • 200-299: Success responses
  • 300-399: Redirection messages
  • 400-499: Client error responses
  • 500-599: Server error responses

Common examples include 200 (OK), 404 (Not Found), and 500 (Internal Server Error).

Evolution of HTTP

Since its introduction in 1991, HTTP has evolved significantly:

  • HTTP/1.0 (1996): Basic functionality
  • HTTP/1.1 (1997): Added persistent connections
  • HTTP/2 (2015): Improved performance through multiplexing
  • HTTP/3 (2022): Enhanced speed and security using QUIC protocol

HTTPS: Secure HTTP

HTTPS (HTTP Secure) adds a layer of encryption through SSL/TLS protocols, protecting sensitive data during transmission. This security is crucial for:

  • E-commerce transactions
  • Login credentials
  • Personal information
  • Financial data

Modern websites increasingly use HTTPS by default, with many browsers marking non-HTTPS sites as “not secure.”

Impact on Web Development

Understanding HTTP is essential for web developers as it affects:

  • API design and implementation
  • Website performance optimization
  • Security implementation
  • Debugging and troubleshooting
  • Caching strategies
  • Cross-origin resource sharing (CORS)

This protocol continues to evolve, adapting to the growing demands of modern web applications while maintaining its fundamental role in web communication.