HTTP request

HTTP request is way to request specific information from a server.

HTTP request consist of three parts:

First one is a protocol to be used. In a browser there are two protocols that can be used: HTTP and HTTPS. Letter S at the end stands for secure. Information between a browser and a server is encrypted. Only people that have encryption key are able to see that what is being transmitted.

Encryption comes at a cost of higher CPU utilization on server side. As a user you may not notice higher utilization, and a single request should not cause utilization in a server to spike, however when there is a lot of traffic, then it is possible to notice higher utilization by HTTPS.

Second one is a server. It can be a name or an IP address. DNS (stands for domain name system) is responsible to translate names into numbers. A person is good with names, however a computer is good with numbers.

Thirds one is a file name. File name may contain folder path, or filename can be empty. If it is empty then default document configured in the server will be displayed.

HTTP study guide

What are the three main parts of an HTTP request?

An HTTP request is composed of three primary parts: the protocol, the server address, and the file name.


What protocols can be used in an HTTP request made from a browser?

When making an HTTP request from a browser, the two main protocols that can be used are HTTP and HTTPS.


What does the 'S' in HTTPS stand for?

The 'S' in HTTPS stands for "secure."


How does HTTPS provide security?

HTTPS secures communication between a browser and a server by encrypting the information being transmitted. Only individuals with the correct encryption key can view the data.


What is a potential drawback of using HTTPS?

Using HTTPS can result in higher CPU utilization on the server side due to the encryption process. While a single request won't cause a noticeable spike, heavy traffic can lead to higher overall utilization.


What are the two ways to specify the server in an HTTP request?

The server in an HTTP request can be specified using either its name (like a website address) or its IP address (a numerical identifier).


What is the role of DNS in HTTP requests?

DNS (Domain Name System) is responsible for translating human-readable server names into numerical IP addresses, which computers use to locate servers.


What happens if the file name is not specified in an HTTP request?

If the file name is left empty in an HTTP request, the server will display the default document that is configured for that server.



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