HTTP

HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) is a stateless protocol for transferring data on the World Wide Web.

It serves as a basis for communication between the web browser (client) and the server and determines how content is requested and transmitted. In web addresses it can be recognized by the prefix 'http://' or 'https://'.

HTTP works on the call-and-response principle. A client sends a request (e.g. GET) to a server, which then returns the requested content and a status code (e.g. 404 not found). If a user enters a website in the browser, a request is sent to the server on which the website is stored. The server transmits the data so that the page can be displayed in the browser.

HTTP is not only used for websites, but also for the transmission of media such as images or videos, as well as for applications that retrieve data from servers, e.g. via REST APIs or when loading updates.

Examples

• Loading a website in the browser by entering a URL
• Loading pictures or videos on a website
• Communication between app and server via a REST API
• Downloading updates or files from the internet