Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP)

HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) is the foundation of data communication for the World Wide Web. It defines how messages are formatted and transmitted, and how web servers and browsers respond to commands.

Key Points

• HTTP is a protocol used for transmitting web pages over the internet.
• It operates on a request-response model where a client (like a web browser) sends a request to a server, which then responds with the requested resource.
• HTTP methods like GET, POST, PUT, and DELETE perform different actions on resources.

Detailed Explanation

Request-Response Model

HTTP operates on a simple yet powerful request-response model. Here’s how it works:

1. A client (such as a web browser) sends an HTTP request to a server.
2. The server processes the request and sends back an HTTP response.
3. The client receives the response and displays the content to the user.

Common HTTP Methods

HTTP methods define the type of action to be performed on a resource. Some of the most common methods include:

• GET: Requests data from a specified resource.
• POST: Submits data to be processed to a specified resource.
• PUT: Updates a resource with new data.
• DELETE: Removes a specified resource.

Practical Example

When you type a URL into your web browser and press enter, an HTTP GET request is sent to the server hosting the website. The server responds with the HTML content of the webpage, which your browser then displays.

Real-World Application

HTTP is used every time you browse the web, whether you're reading news articles, shopping online, or streaming videos. It is the backbone of web communication, ensuring that data is transmitted efficiently and accurately.

Key Takeaways

• HTTP is crucial for web communication.
• It uses a request-response cycle for data exchange.
• Common HTTP methods include GET, POST, PUT, and DELETE.

Learn More

• MDN Web Docs on HTTP