What is HTTP (HyperText Transfer Protocol)?

HTTP

HTTPShort for HyperText Transfer Protocol, HTTP is a set of standards that allow users of the World Wide Web to exchange information found on web pages. When accessing any web page entering http:// in front of the address tells the browser to communicate over HTTP. For example, the URL for Computer Hope is http://www.computerhope.com. Today's browsers no longer require HTTP in front of the URL since it is the default method of communication. However, it is kept in browsers because of the need to separate protocols such as FTP. Below are a few of the major facts on HTTP.
The term HTTP was coined by Ted Nelson.
The standard port for HTTP connections is port 80.
HTTP/0.9 was the first version of the HTTP, and was introduced in 1991.
HTTP/1.0 is specified in RFC 1945, and was introduced in 1996.
HTTP/1.1 is specified in RFC 2616, and was officially released in January 1997.
HTTPS

Short for Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure, HTTPS is a protocol which uses HTTP on a connection encrypted by transport-layer security. HTTPS is used to protect transmitted data from eavesdropping. It is the default protocol for conducting financial transactions on the web, and can protect a website's users from censorship by a government or an ISP.
HTTPS uses port 443 to transfer its information.
HTTPS is first used in HTTP/1.1 and is defined in RFC 2616.
Tip: How to protect yourself and verify Internet data is secure while online.
404HTTP status codes

Below is a listing of HTTP status codes currently defined by Computer Hope. These codes enable a client accessing another computer or device over HTTP to know how to proceed or not proceed. For example, 404 tells the browser the request does not exist on the server.
1xx - 2xx 3xx - 4xx 5xx
100
101
102
200
201
202
204
205
206
207
301
302
304
400
401
402
403
404
405
406
407
408
409
410
413
414
416
500
501
503
505
Related pages

Computer security questions and answers.
Also see: Apache server, Domain, FTP, Internet, Internet terms, Port, Protocol, Security terms, SSL, URL, Web page, World Wide Web