What is HTTP?

HTTP- Hypertext Transfer Protocol protocol for transmitting hypertext documents on the World Wide Web. It is the foundation of data communication on the internet and is used to transmit data between two things- a web server and a web browser.

HTTP is a request-response protocol, meaning that a client (such as a web browser) sends a request to a server (Ex: a web server), and the server responds to the request. The request and response messages are structured as HTTP messages, which consist of a start line, headers, and an optional message body.

A connectionless protocol is HTTP. A request is made by the HTTP client, who then waits for a response from the server. When the HTTP client delivers the request to the server, the server processes it and sends back the answer before the client cuts off the connection. Only during the time between a request and a response does a connection between the client and server exist.

HTTP uses a simple and flexible structure that allows for the transmission of a wide range of types of data, including text, images, and video. It also supports the use of various methods for requesting data from a server, such as GET, POST, and HEAD.

HTTP is a stateless protocol, meaning each request is independent and does not depend on previous requests. However, it can be used in integration with other technologies, such as cookies and session IDs, to maintain the state between requests.

HTTP is the primary protocol used on the World Wide Web and is supported by all modern web browsers and servers. It is a vital component of the internet and plays a critical role in the functioning of the web.