HTTP

HTTP, also known as HyperText Transfer Protocol, is a fundamental protocol for data exchange on the Internet. It forms the core framework for interaction between web browsers and servers, enabling the transmission of web pages. The inception of HTTP dates back to the late 1980s, with the initial version of the protocol being released in the early 1990s.

Core concept

The core concept of HTTP operates on the request-response model: a client (typically a web browser) issues a request, and the server replies with the corresponding information. These requests and responses are composed of lines of text, including headers and, when necessary, the message body. One of the key components of HTTP is the request method, which specifies the desired action to be executed

GET requests are intended for retrieving data, such as web pages or resources hosted on a server. POST requests are used to send data to the server, for instance, submitting form data. PUT requests facilitate the uploading or updating of resources, whereas DELETE requests remove resources.

How HTTP works

HTTP employs a text-based message format, ensuring it is straightforward to interpret and analyze. Modern iterations of the protocol, such as HTTP/2, incorporate enhancements in both performance and security, resulting in faster and more reliable data exchange.

In addition to text messages, HTTP supports various encodings and data formats like JSON and XML, making it versatile for different application types. The protocol can also operate over an encrypted connection (SSL/TLS), referred to as HTTPS, which safeguards data against interception and tampering.

Over time, HTTP has seen numerous modifications and advancements, yet its essential concept and operating principles have remained consistent, ensuring dependable and efficient data transmission across the global Internet.