What
is HTTP?
HTTP (Hypertext
Transfer Protocol), is the application-level protocol that is used to transfer
data on the Web. HTTP comprises the rules by which Web browsers and servers
exchange information. Although most people think of HTTP only in the context of
the World-Wide Web, it can be, and is, used for other purposes, such as
distributed object management systems.
The
Hypertext Transfer Protocol is an application protocol for distributed,
collaborative, hypermedia information systems.
How
Does HTTP Work?
HTTP Is a
request-response protocol. For example, a Web browser initiates a request to a
server, typically by opening a TCP/IP connection. The request itself comprises
-
A
request line,
-
A
set of request headers
-
An
entity.
The server
sends a response that comprises
-
A
status line,
-
A
set of response headers
-
An
entity.
The entity
in the request or response can be thought of simply as the payload, which may
be binary data. The other items are readable ASCII characters. When the
response has been completed, either the browser or the server
HTTP
Request and HTTP Response
Communication
between clients and servers is done by requests and responses
1) A client (a browser) sends an HTTP
request to the web
2) A web server receives the request
3) The server runs an application to
process the request
4) The server returns an HTTP response
(output) to the browser
5) The client (the browser) receives the
response
HTTPS
(Secure HTTP)
HTTPS
denotes the use of HTTP with SSL (Secure Socket Layer) protocol or its
successor protocol Transport Layer Security TLS (Transport-Layer Protocol).
Either of these protocols, which use encryption, can be used to create a secure
connection between two machines. The browser uses SSL or TLS when connecting to
a secure part of a website indicated by an HTTPS URL, that is, a URL with the
prefix https://. The browser then uses HTTP to send and receive requests
over this secure connection.
HTTP is
a Stateless Protocol
HTTP is
called a stateless protocol because each command is executed independently,
without any knowledge of the commands that came before it. This is the main
reason that it is difficult to implement Web sites that react intelligently to
user input. This shortcoming of HTTP is being addressed in a number of new
technologies, including ActiveX, Java, JavaScript and cookies.
Secure
Socket Layer (SSL)
SSL is the
standard security technology for establishing an encrypted link between the two
systems. These can be browser to server, server to server or client to server.
Basically, SSL ensures that the data transfer between the two systems remains
encrypted and private.
The https is
essentially http over SSL. SSL establishes an encrypted link using an SSL
certificate which is also known as a digital certificate.
How
does a '404 error' come about?
The typical
trigger for an error 404 message is when website content has been removed or
moved to another URL. There are also other reasons why an error message could
appear.
The URL or
its content (such as files or images) was either deleted or moved (without
adjusting any internal links accordingly)
The URL was written
incorrectly (during the creation process or a redesign), linked incorrectly, or
typed into the browser incorrectly
The server
responsible for the website is not running or the connection is broken
The
requested domain name can’t be converted to an IP by the domain name system
(DNS)
The entered
domain name doesn’t exist (anymore)
Dead links are often left for long
periods of time since operators have no idea that the linked content has been
deleted or moved. Many websites still appear in the search engine results pages
(SERPs) even though they aren’t available online anymore (or at least not at
the specified URL). Other linked websites such as blogs, news portals, etc. are
often not informed that the site has been removed or can now be found under a
new URL. Many website operators don’t check their external links regularly and
therefore a functioning link could easily become a dead one.
What
is HTTPS?
Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure is an
extension of the Hypertext Transfer Protocol. It is used for secure
communication over a computer network, and is widely used on the Internet. In
HTTPS, the communication protocol is encrypted using Transport Layer Security
or formerly, its predecessor, Secure Sockets Layer.
HTTPS
is primarily designed to provide enhanced security layer over the unsecured
HTTP protocol for sensitive data and transactions such as billing details,
credit card transactions and user login etc. HTTPS encrypts every data packet
in transition using SSL (Secure Socket Layer) or TLS (Transport-Layer Protocol) encryption
technique to avoid intermediary hackers and attackers to extract the content of
the data; even if the connection is compromised.
HTTPS
is configured and supported by default in most web browsers and initiates a
secure connection automatically if the accessed web servers requests secure
connection. HTTPS works in collaboration with certificate authorities that
evaluates the security certificate of the accessed website
Advantage
of https
Secure Communication: - https makes a secure connection by establishing an
encrypted link between the browser and the server or any two systems.
Data Integrity: - https provides data integrity by encrypting the data
and so, even if hackers manage to trap the data, they cannot read or modify it.
Privacy
and Security: - https protects the privacy and
security of website users by preventing hackers to passively listen to
communication between the browser and the server.
Faster Performance:
- https increases the speed of data
transfer compared to http by encrypting and reducing the size of the data.
SEO: - Use of https increases SEO ranking. In Google Chrome, Google
shows the Not Secure label in the browser if users' data is collected over
http.
Future: - https represents the future of the web by making internet
safe for users and website owners.
HTTP Vs
HTTPS
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