# What is HTTP Protocol? A Complete Guide for Beginners
**HTTP**, or HyperText Transfer Protocol, is the foundation of data communication on the World Wide Web. It’s the set of rules that allows web browsers and servers to talk to each other. Every time you visit a website, your browser sends an HTTP request to the server, which then sends back the website’s content. Understanding what is http protocol is the first step to grasping how the internet works.
## **How HTTP Works: A Simple Breakdown**
The process is a straightforward client-server model. Your web browser (the client) initiates a request. The server processes this request and returns a response, which includes the requested data (like a web page) and a status code.
### **HTTP Request and Response Cycle**
When you type a URL, your browser creates an HTTP request. This message includes a method (like GET to retrieve data), the path to the resource, and the HTTP version. The server responds with a status line (e.g., “200 OK” for success), headers with meta-information, and the body containing the actual HTML, images, or other data.
## **Common HTTP Methods Explained**
HTTP uses methods to indicate the desired action. The most common are:
* **GET:** Retrieves data from a server.
* **POST:** Sends data to a server (e.g., submitting a form).
* **PUT:** Updates existing data on a server.
* **DELETE:** Removes data from a server.
## **Frequently Asked Questions**
### **What is the difference between HTTP and HTTPS?**
HTTPS is the secure version of HTTP. It encrypts the data exchanged between your browser and the server using SSL/TLS protocols, protecting it from eavesdroppers. Always look for “HTTPS” in the URL bar, especially when entering sensitive information.
### **Is HTTP a secure protocol?**
Standard HTTP is not secure, as data is sent in plain text. This is why HTTPS was developed. For any website handling passwords, payment details, or personal data, HTTPS is essential.
### **What are HTTP status codes?**
These are three-digit codes the server returns to indicate the result of a request. Common codes include:
* **200 OK:** The request was successful.
* **404 Not Found:** The server could not find the requested resource.
* **500 Internal Server Error:** The server encountered an unexpected condition.
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