HTML and CSS Reference
In-Depth Information
What is HTTP?
HTTP is also known as the
HyperText Transfer Protocol
. In other words,
it's an agreed-upon method (a protocol) for transferring hypertext
documents around the Web. While “hypertext documents” are usually
just HTML pages, the protocol can also be used to transfer images, or
any other file that a web page might need.
HTTP is a simple request and response protocol. Here's how it works:
HTTP request: could I please have
the file /index.html?
HTTP response: I found
that file; here it is.
www.starbuzzcoffee.com
Whatever you do,
don't pronounce URL as
“Earl,” because that's my
name. It's pronounced
U-R-L.
So each time you type a URL into your browser's address bar, the
browser asks the server for the corresponding resource using the HTTP
protocol. If the server finds the resource, it returns it to the browser and
the browser displays it. What happens if the server doesn't find it?
HTTP request: could I please have
the file /hardtofind.html?
HTTP response: error
#404; I can't find it.
www.starbuzzcoffee.com
If the resource can't be found, you'll get the familiar “404 Error,”
which the server reports back to your browser.
