HTTP

Definition

HTTP, or Hypertext Transfer Protocol, is an application layer protocol used for transmitting hypertext via the internet. It enables web browsers to communicate with web servers, allowing users to access and interact with web content such as text, images, and videos. As a foundational element of web architecture, HTTP facilitates the request-response model, where clients send requests and servers respond with the requested resources.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. HTTP operates over TCP/IP and is stateless, meaning each request is treated independently without retaining session information between requests.
2. The protocol uses methods such as GET, POST, PUT, DELETE, and others to define actions performed on resources identified by URLs.
3. HTTP status codes are sent by servers to indicate the result of a client's request; common codes include 200 (OK), 404 (Not Found), and 500 (Internal Server Error).
4. Version 1.1 of HTTP introduced features like persistent connections and chunked transfer encoding, improving efficiency and performance.
5. HTTP/2 is a major revision that enhances speed and reduces latency through multiplexing and header compression techniques.

Review Questions

• How does HTTP facilitate communication between web browsers and servers?
  • HTTP enables communication between web browsers and servers by establishing a standardized method for sending requests and receiving responses. When a user enters a URL in their browser, an HTTP request is generated, which is sent to the server hosting the requested resource. The server processes this request and responds with the appropriate content, which the browser then displays. This request-response cycle is essential for navigating the web.
• Discuss the significance of HTTP status codes in web communication.
  • HTTP status codes are crucial for web communication as they provide feedback about the outcome of a client's request. These codes inform users and applications whether a request was successful or if there were issues that need addressing. For example, a 200 status code means the request was successful, while a 404 status code indicates that the requested resource could not be found. Understanding these codes helps in diagnosing problems during web interactions.
• Evaluate how advancements in HTTP protocols have impacted web performance and user experience.
  • Advancements in HTTP protocols, particularly with the introduction of HTTP/2, have significantly improved web performance and user experience. By enabling features like multiplexing, which allows multiple requests to be sent simultaneously over a single connection, HTTP/2 reduces latency and speeds up page loading times. Additionally, header compression minimizes overhead, making data transfer more efficient. These enhancements lead to smoother browsing experiences and quicker access to content for users.

Related terms

URL: A Uniform Resource Locator (URL) is a reference or address used to access resources on the internet, often working in tandem with HTTP to specify the location of web content.

HTTPS: HTTPS stands for Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure, which is an extension of HTTP that uses encryption to secure data exchanged between the client and server, enhancing privacy and security.

Web Browser: A web browser is software that allows users to access and navigate the internet, retrieving and displaying content from web servers using protocols like HTTP.