An HTTP request is a message sent from a client (like a web browser) to a server to ask for a resource, like a web page or an image. The request contains several parts, including the HTTP request method, which specifies the action the client wants to perform on the resource, and is often followed by the server’s HTTP status code, which indicates the result of the server’s attempt to fulfill the request.
HTTP Request
An HTTP request is the fundamental way a client communicates with a server on the web. It’s a structured text message that contains all the necessary information for the server to understand what the client wants. The request is composed of:
- Request Line: Includes the HTTP request method, the path to the requested resource, and the HTTP protocol version (e.g., GET /index.html HTTP/1.1).
- Request Headers: Key-value pairs that provide additional information about the request, the client, or the resource itself (e.g., Host: www.example.com, User-Agent: Mozilla/5.0).
- Request Body: Optional data sent with the request, typically used with methods like POST to send information to the server (e.g., form data or a file).
HTTP Request Method
The HTTP request method (also known as a verb) defines the type of action the client wants the server to perform on the specified resource. The most common methods are:
- GET: Retrieves data from the server. This is the most common method and is used when you type a URL into a browser.
- POST: Submits data to the server, often to create or update a resource. For example, submitting a form on a website.
- PUT: Replaces all current representations of the target resource with the uploaded content.
- DELETE: Deletes the specified resource.
- PATCH: Applies partial modifications to a resource.
HTTP Status Code
An HTTP status code is a three-digit number sent by the server in its response to the client’s request. It indicates the outcome of the request, telling the client whether it was successful, failed, or requires further action. The codes are grouped into five categories:
- 1xx (Informational): The request was received and is continuing.
- 2xx (Success): The request was successfully received, understood, and accepted. A common code is 200 OK.
- 3xx (Redirection): The client must take additional action to complete the request. For example, 301 Moved Permanently indicates the resource has a new URL.
- 4xx (Client Error): The request contains an error or cannot be fulfilled. 404 Not Found is a well-known example.
- 5xx (Server Error): The server failed to fulfill an apparently valid request. 500 Internal Server Error is a common example.
For More Information check this out
