Describing HTTP

HTTP is an application-layer protocol responsible for exchanging data between a client browser and a web server. HTTP allows us to gather, distribute, collaborate, and disseminate a wide range of data. Although a stateless protocol, HTTP has several request methods, error codes, and headers that allow us to access resources from many different types of applications.

Note

HTTP is used to transport data across the network. Two other protocols that transport data include File Transfer Protocol (FTP) and Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP). All are essential in providing an efficient way to exchange data.

In this section, we'll begin by outlining the definition of a web page and describe HTTP's function in retrieving objects from a website. We'll compare the role of client and server, outline the versions in use today, and then summarize with a review of the different types of HTTP methods.

Let's start by reviewing the elements of a web...