The purpose of HTTP is to fetch the resources a client requests.

Here’s an example of the request-response cycle between a client and a server:

1. The client and the server computers must be connected via an Internet connection.

2. When the connection is established, the client requests to access a resource via an HTTP message.

3. As HTTP is a connectionless protocol, the client disconnects from the server, waiting for a response.

4. The server processes the request. It prepares the response, reestablishes the connection, and sends back the response via an HTTP message.

5. The client receives the message.

6. The two computers disconnect.

If we use human language to explain the process, it would go something like this:

• You: I want to see your Customer Service page.
• The server: Okay, got it. It’s coming right away.

Or, if there’s an error:

• You: I want to see your Customer Service page.
• The server: I’m sorry, I can not find the page you’re requesting.

HTTP messages are sent in a format that’s similar to the format used by the Internet mail and the Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions.

A typical HTTP message has three main sections: the start line, the headers, and the body. Generally, the three sections are plain text and are easy to read.

The information of the HTTP message varies, depending on whether it’s a request or a response.

Requests consist of the following elements:

• the HTTP method that tells the server what to do, usually a verb like GET or POST

• the URL of the resource stripped from elements that are obvious from the context

• the version of the HTTP protocol

• optional headers

Responses consist of the following elements:

• the version of the HTTP protocol

• a status code, such as a redirect, client error, or server error

• a status message that contains a short description of the status code

• HTTP headers

• a body containing the fetched resource, but this is optional

If HTTP stood for Hypertext Transfer Protocol, HTTPs stands for Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure. Some URLs start with “HTTP,” and others with “HTTPS.” The “s” stands for “secure encryption,” which is guaranteed with a certificate. HTTPS uses a public key that is decrypted on the recipient’s side. The public key is included in an SSL certificate.

An SSL certificate is like an online ID card that says: this website is protected and secure from outside threats. Your information is safe here. Websites that collect people’s sensitive information, including home addresses and credit card numbers, must purchase an SSL license. SSL encryption comes with many benefits, both for customers and websites. The top benefits include:

• Safety from hackers: as the certificate protects sensitive information, hackers and identity thieves will have to take their business elsewhere.

• Authenticity and trustworthiness: people want to do business with a website that’s secure and trustworthy. They won’t make a purchase on websites that aren’t verified and encrypted.

• A boost in Google search rankings: in 2014, Google said a certificate installed on your website would increase your ranking position.

• Increased conversion rate: one study by Symantec showed that protected eCommerce websites have an 18-87% increase in conversion rate.

• Increased value per transaction: customers hesitate to spend a large amount of money on a transaction if they don’t trust the website. One case study by Comodo found that a digital certificate installed can increase the average value per transaction by 23%.

To sum up, the main things we can learn from this article are:

• HTTP stands for Hypertext Transfer Protocol. It’s the standard protocol that defines how messages are formatted and sent across the web.

• In a sense, HTTP acts as a messenger of the web. It delivers messages from the client to the server, and vice versa.

• The three important aspects of HTTP is that it is connectionless, stateless, and can deliver any kind of data.

• The purpose of HTTP is to fetch the resources a client requests.

• A typical HTTP message has three main sections: the start line, the headers, and the body.

• There are different types of HTTP response status codes. They all indicate whether a specific HTTP request has been successfully completed. There are five classes, including 1xx, 2xx, 3xx, 4xx, and 5xx status codes.

• If HTTP stood for Hypertext Transfer Protocol, HTTPs stands for Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure. The difference is that HTTPS transmits its data security using an encrypted connection.