Definition of Hypertext Transfer Protocol
For every website you visit, you will see the letters "http" at the beginning of every address. These letters stand for hypertext transfer protocol. By understanding what this means you will have a better understanding of the inner workings of the Internet. Without this protocol, the Internet would not be what it is today.
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Introduction
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Hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP) is the standard for client-server computing and the architecture behind the Internet. It allows two different computers to communicate. A web browser on your computer is one type of client. When you type a URL into the address bar and hit "Enter," you send a request to the computer or server storing the website information. Once the server receives the request, it sends information back to the client, which then deciphers it and shows you what is on the website. Video, audio and text are all transferred using this protocol.
History
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Tim Burners-Lee and his team of programmers are credited with creating the HTTP protocol, as well as creating the first website using Hypertext Mark-up Language (HTML). In 1990, Burners-Lee had the first server up and running, and was able to browse the World Wide Web by using his protocol.
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HTTPS
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HTTPS stands for hypertext transfer protocol secure. When a website uses this protocol, the information between the client and the server is encrypted, so that the information can be securely transferred over an insecure network. This is how banks keep your information safe when you log in, or how companies prevent others from stealing your credit card information when you make a purchase online.
Version 1.1
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The current version of HTTP is version 1.1, which was launched in 1996. This version helped speed up the flow of information by keeping a persistent connection open instead of opening and closing the connections for each application request. It also allows multiple domains to have the same Internet protocol (IP) address, thus allowing hosting companies to store more than one website on each of their servers.
Description in Layman's Terms
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The easiest way to picture what HTTP does is to imagine making a phone call. When you place a call and a connection is made, you can hear the other party clearly and she can hear you. It's like an invisible line has been drawn between your two phones so that communication is possible. Your phone is the client because you made the call and initiated the connection. Her phone is the server because all she had to do was pick it up and answer you. The connection stays strong for as long as you keep the connection active. The moment you hang up, the invisible line is broken, and you are open to making a brand new call to someone new. HTTP is like that invisible line.
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