What is HTTP?

HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) is a protocol used to communicate between web browsers and web servers. Invented by Tim Berners-Lee in the early 1990s, it forms the basis for exchanging information on the internet. HTTP uses a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) to access resources on the internet and makes them available to the user. Most of the Internet uses this protocol to transfer information and media.

The main function of HTTP is to allow users to make requests to web servers and for servers to respond to those requests. This protocol is based on two basic message types, 'request' and 'response'. When a user opens a web page, the browser sends a request to the relevant server using the HTTP protocol and the server responds with a response containing the necessary files.

How HTTP Works

HTTP is based on the client-server model. When a web user (client) wants to visit a web page through a web browser, an HTTP request is sent to the server. This request contains the URL of the targeted resource, a method (GET, POST, etc.) that defines the requested action, and any additional headers that may accompany the request. The server receives this request, performs the necessary processing and sends back an HTTP response containing resources such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, etc.

The HTTP response includes a status code indicating the status of the response, the content type indicating the type of response, and the resource files sent from the server to the client. The client receives this response and presents it to the user as a visually organized web page. This process repeats when the user clicks on another page link or submits a form.

What are HTTP Status Codes?

HTTP status codes are codes that describe the result of an HTTP request. These codes determine whether the response was successful, whether an error occurred, and the status of the request. Here are some common HTTP status codes:

200 OK: The request was successful.
301 Moved Permanently: The requested resource has been permanently moved to another URL.
400 Bad Request: The server could not process the request because the client sent an incorrect request.
404 Not Found: The requested resource was not found on the server.
500 Internal Server Error: An unexpected error occurred on the server and the request could not be processed.

What are the Differences Between HTTP and HTTPS?

While HTTP and HTTPS perform essentially the same function, HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure) provides security through encryption of communication. HTTPS encrypts data using SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) or TLS (Transport Layer Security) protocols. This reduces the risk of user data and other sensitive information being intercepted by third parties. The use of HTTPS is mandatory, especially on sites where financial transactions and personal data are exchanged. Unlike HTTP, this security layer provides protection against security threats such as data theft and phishing.