Challenge your knowledge of HTTP protocols and status codes with questions covering request methods, response codes, and key protocol concepts. Improve your web protocol expertise with examples and clarifications tailored for beginners in web development and networking.
Which HTTP method is typically used to request data from a server, such as retrieving a webpage?
Explanation: GET is the correct HTTP method for retrieving data from a server without making any changes. POST is usually used when submitting data to be processed, such as form submissions. SEND and FETCH are not standard HTTP methods, although FETCH may sound familiar from browser APIs. Only GET is valid for basic data retrieval.
What status code indicates a successful HTTP request and response, confirming that everything worked as expected?
Explanation: The 200 status code means the server successfully processed the request and returned the expected result. The 404 code signals that the requested resource was not found, 503 indicates the server is unavailable, and 301 represents a permanent redirect. Only 200 is used for a standard success response.
If a user tries to reach a webpage that does not exist, which HTTP status code will the server typically return?
Explanation: 404 Not Found is returned when the requested URL does not match any resource on the server. 500 is a server-side error indicating an internal problem, 202 means the request was accepted for processing but not completed, and 302 is used for temporary redirects. Thus, 404 best matches the scenario described.
Which pair of HTTP methods are both considered safe and idempotent, meaning they do not alter server state and can be called multiple times without side effects?
Explanation: GET and HEAD are safe (they do not change server data) and idempotent (repeated requests have the same effect). POST can alter server state and is not idempotent, while PUT is idempotent but not safe. DELETE and PATCH modify resources, and TRACE is generally used for diagnostics. Only GET and HEAD meet both criteria.
Which HTTP status code should a server use to indicate that a requested resource has been permanently moved to a new location, such as moving a webpage to a different URL?
Explanation: 301 Moved Permanently informs clients that the resource should be accessed at a new location from now on. 201 means a resource was successfully created, 400 is a general client error, and 410 signals that the resource is gone with no forwarding address. 301 is the only redirection status code in this list.
A web application temporarily overloaded with requests might return which HTTP status code to tell clients it is currently unavailable?
Explanation: 503 Service Unavailable indicates that the server cannot handle the request due to being overloaded or under maintenance. 302 is a temporary redirect, 403 means forbidden access, and 201 refers to successful resource creation. 503 explicitly relates to server unavailability.
When a server denies access to a resource because the client lacks necessary permissions—even if they are authenticated—which status code is returned?
Explanation: 403 Forbidden is used when the client is recognized but not authorized to access the resource. 401 Unauthorized means the client needs to authenticate, 408 indicates a request timeout, and 204 signifies that there's no content to return. Only 403 suits the description of authorized but not permitted access.
In an HTTP request, where is the requested resource’s path, such as /about.html, typically specified?
Explanation: The request line, usually at the start of an HTTP request, specifies the method, the path (such as /about.html), and the HTTP version. The header contains additional metadata, while the body is used for submitting data, mostly in POST requests. The status line appears in responses, not requests.
What is the primary use of the HTTP 201 status code in client-server interactions, such as after submitting a form to add a new item?
Explanation: 201 Created tells the client that their request has resulted in the creation of a new resource, often after POST operations. Temporary Redirect is 307 or 302, Unauthorized is 401, and Not Modified is 304. Only 'Resource Created' accurately describes the function of the 201 status code.
If a browser sends an HTTP request with an 'If-Modified-Since' header and the file has not changed, what status code should the server return to avoid resending the content?
Explanation: 304 Not Modified lets the client know the resource hasn't changed, prompting the browser to use its cached version. 404 means the resource isn’t found, 201 indicates successful creation, and 409 signals a conflict. Of these, 304 is the only code related to caching and conditional requests.