What is HTTP and How Exactly Does it Work?

What is HTTP?

HTTP, the abbreviation for Hypertext Transfer Protocol, is an application layer protocol that governs the communication between your web browser and web servers. HTTP defines the rules of communication between different devices connected over the internet. This protocol enables web clients such as browsers to request for data and files from webservers. HTTP is the tool which makes web browsing, sending emails, and using social media possible.

The meaning of HTTP

At its core, HTTP is a set of rules for transferring data between web servers and clients. Whenever you type a URL into your browser’s address bar, your browser sends an HTTP request to the web server hosting that page. The web server then responds with an HTTP response, which contains the HTML, CSS, and JavaScript code that makes up the page you see in your browser.

How does HTTP work?

HTTP runs on top of the TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) connection. Therefore, HTTP-based applications use TCP to establish a communication channel. HTTP uses a request-response model. When a client requests for data or a resource from a server, it sends an HTTP request. The server responds with an HTTP response message along with the data and resources requested by the client. These requests and responses are mainly based on HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.

The Three Pillars of HTTP

HTTP is a relatively simple protocol. It has three pillars that make it a consultative standard for website communication over the internet:

1. HTTP status codes – HTTP status codes allows servers to transmit information about the success or failure of a particular HTTP request. They come in three types: informational, successful, and client error request.

2. HTTP requests – HTTP requests are the messages sent by a client to a server. The requests include data about what the client expects from the server, the method to be used, the data to be sent, and the headers.

3. HTTP responses – The HTTP response comes directly from the server. They contain data that the server sends back to the client. The response includes an HTTP status code and the content requested by the client.

Why We Think You Should Invest In HTTP

An understanding of HTTP is vital for web developers and computer users who have an interest in the internet. HTTP provides a set of standards that permit interoperability between servers and clients. HTTP supports the creation of tools that facilitate browsing, social media, email, and commerce. Anyone interested in how the internet works should invest time learning how HTTP functions.

In brief

HTTP is a foundation of web communication standards that enables interoperability between servers and clients on the internet. HTTP uses the request-response model to transmit messages between two networks to provide a seamless browsing experience for its users. HTTP clients use three core techniques for successful communication: status codes, requests, and response.

Most Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How is HTTP different from HTTPS?

A: HTTPS uses SSL/TLS protocols to create secure communication channels by encrypting data. HTTP does not have this feature.

Q: What happens when an HTTP connection fails?

A: At any time, a variety of reasons may cause an HTTP connection to fail. The first action is to diagnose what caused it to fail before deciding on further corrective measures.

Q: How is HTTP different from HTTPS?

A: HTTPS uses SSL/TLS protocols to create secure communication channels by encrypting data. HTTP does not have this feature.

Q: What happens when an HTTP connection fails?

A: At any time, a variety of reasons may cause an HTTP connection to fail. The first action is to diagnose what caused it to fail before deciding on further corrective measures.