HTTP - Hypertext Transfer Protocol

The most significant protocol used on the WWW is HTTP. It is a protocol that enables data flow between clients and servers on the World Wide Web. Web page publication and retrieval are the primary functions of HTTP. HTTP/1.1 is the latest version of HTTP. HTTP 1.0 is the first version of the protocol. The primary characteristic of HTTP 1.0 is that each document uses a different connection to the same server.

Working of HTTP

Purpose of HTTP

The most significant protocol used on the WWW is HTTP. It has various important purposes involved in the functioning of the world wide web as it is a protocol that enables data flow between clients and servers on the World Wide Web. The primary purpose of HTTP is to publish and retrieve Web pages. The primary characteristic of HTTP 1.0 is that each document utilizes a different connection to the same server.

HTTP Request - Response Protocol

The above-mentioned diagram shows how the client makes an HTTP request and the HTTP response is provided. The HTTP protocol is designed for request/response communications based on a client-server architecture, in which a user asks for data from a web server using a web browser, and the server answers with the requested data.

Different Components of HTTP

• Web Servers

A web server is a software program that uses HTTP to transmit web pages across the World Wide Web. In essence, it is in charge of responding to HTTP requests sent by clients or web browsers. Additionally, it handles the client's requests and subsequently replies to the client with an HTTP response. It is a very important component of HTTP.

• Hyperlink

A hyperlink enables connecting to another location inside the same document or another. It enables connecting to the World Wide Web as well. A user only needs to click on a link to navigate to the desired location.

• Hypertext

A type of text called hypertext refers to other material that is present in the same or another electronic document or on the Internet. By just clicking or hitting the key on hypertext, a reader can have fast access to the pertinent information.

• URI 

The Uniform Resource Indicator specifies the address of the required document or resource.

• Header Fields

Optional headers can be used by the client to tell the server extra information about requests e.g. Client software and content type that it understands.

• Body

Contains data sent by the client to the server.

Important Points to Remember

• HTTP is probably the most important protocol used on the World Wide Web.

• The full form of HTTP is a ‘hypertext transfer protocol.’

• The main purpose of the HTTP is to publish and retrieve Web pages

• A hyperlink allows linking to another place in the same document or another document.

• A web server is a software program that uses HTTP to transmit web pages across the World Wide Web.

Summary

HTTP is the most important protocol used on the WWW. It is a protocol that permits data transfer on the World Wide Web between clients and servers. The main purposes of HTTP are the publication and retrieval of web pages. The most recent HTTP version is HTTP/1.1. An internal or external link allows access to another area within the same or another document. An easy way for a reader to access hypertext is to simply click or press a key. The HTTP protocol is made for client-server architecture-based request/response interactions, in which a user uses a web browser to query a web server for data, and the server responds by providing the requested data. A web server is a piece of software that sends web pages across the World Wide Web using HTTP. The address of the needed document or resource is specified by the uniform resource indicator.

Practice Questions

1. What is the full form of HTTP?

• Hypertext transfer protocol

• Hypertext transfer programme

• Hypertext transmission programme

2. What is the main use of HTTP?

• Allow sourcing of information from different web pages.

• Publish and retrieve web pages.

• Contains data sent by the client to the server.

3. What is a web browser?

Ans. ________________________________________________________

Sample Solved Questions

1. Define HTTP.

Ans: Hypertext transfer protocol or HTTP is a protocol that allows the transfer of information on the World Wide Web between clients and servers. It enables data to flow between clients and servers on the World Wide Web.

2. What is the purpose of HTTP?

Ans: It has various important purposes involved in the functioning of the world wide web as it is a protocol that enables data flow between clients and servers on the World Wide Web. The main purpose of the HTTP is to publish and retrieve Web pages.

3. What are the different components of HTTP?

Ans: The different components of HTTP include:

• Web servers

• Hyperlink 

• Hypertext

• URI

• Header fields

• Body.