Definition
HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) is an application layer protocol used for transmitting hypertext via the World Wide Web. It defines the rules and conventions for how messages are formatted and transmitted between clients (like web browsers) and servers.
Function
The main function of HTTP is to facilitate communication between a client and a web server. When a user enters a URL into their browser, the browser sends an HTTP request to the server hosting the website, which responds with the requested resources, such as HTML documents, images, or data. HTTP supports various methods, such as GET and POST, to specify the type of action to be performed. Furthermore, it is the foundation of data communication on the web, allowing users to navigate and interact with web pages efficiently.
Related Terms
- HTTPS: The secure version of HTTP, using SSL/TLS to encrypt the communication between the browser and the server.
- URL (Uniform Resource Locator): The address used to access resources on the web, which often utilizes HTTP or HTTPS as the protocol.
- Server: A system that hosts websites and manages requests made via the HTTP protocol.
Here is the Wikipedia Article
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