What Is HTTP?
HTTP stands for Hypertext Transfer Protocol. It is a set of rules that controls how your web browser and a web server talk and share data over the internet.
Definition
HTTP is a communication protocol used by web browsers and web servers. When you open a website, your browser sends an HTTP request, and the server sends back an HTTP response with the page content.
Why HTTP Matters
- Makes websites load Without HTTP, your browser could not get pages, images, or videos from websites.
- Organizes data HTTP tells how messages should be sent, received, and understood.
- Supports search engines Google and other search engines use HTTP to crawl and index pages.
- Works with HTTPS Secure HTTP, called HTTPS, helps protect passwords, payments, and personal data.
History
HTTP was created in the early 1990s to move simple text pages. Later versions added support for images, videos, better speed, and stronger security. Today, most modern sites use newer versions such as HTTP 2 and work over HTTPS.
How HTTP Works
- You type a website address in your browser.
- Your browser sends an HTTP request to the website server.
- The server reads the request and prepares a response.
- The server sends an HTTP response back with a status code and the page content.
- Your browser shows the page using the data it received.
HTTP uses status codes like 200 for OK, 404 for page not found, and 500 for server error to explain what happened.
HTTP vs Related Terms
- HTTP vs HTTPS HTTPS is HTTP with encryption. It uses SSL or TLS to hide data from hackers. Browsers show a lock icon for HTTPS sites.
- HTTP vs TCP TCP is a lower level network protocol that moves data between computers. HTTP sits on top of TCP and defines how web messages are shaped and understood.
- HTTP vs HTML HTML is the language used to build web pages. HTTP is the protocol that delivers those HTML pages from the server to your browser.
Example of HTTP
When you go to http://example.com your browser might send:
GET / HTTP/1.1
Host: example.com
The server answers with something like:
HTTP/1.1 200 OK
Content-Type: text/html
<html>...page content...</html>
This simple back and forth is an HTTP request and response.
FAQs
Is HTTP safe?
Regular HTTP is not encrypted, so others on the same network might see the data. HTTPS is the safer, encrypted version that should be used for logins and payments.
Why do some URLs start with HTTP and others with HTTPS?
HTTP means normal connection. HTTPS means the connection is encrypted and more secure. Modern browsers and search engines prefer HTTPS.
Do I need to type HTTP in the address bar?
No. Most browsers add it for you automatically and will use HTTPS if the site supports it.
What is HTTP 2 or HTTP 3?
These are newer versions of HTTP that make websites load faster and work better on modern networks, but they still follow the same basic request and response idea.
