HTTP Headers

[the_sponge]

Can someone help me understand the importance, and what is being communicated by, http headers?

Thanks.

[jdMorgan]

HTTP headers are what allow browsers to tell servers what the user is requesting, and for the server to respond to the browser with information about the request -- For example, returning a 404-Not Found response if the requested resource does not exist. The former are termed "request headers" and the latter, "response headers."

So, the importance of HTTP headers is fundamental.

You may learn more about them here [w3.org]. Dry reading perhaps, but basic familiarity may help you to avoid many fundamental and severe errors with your sites.

If you haven't already done so, check out the "Live HTTP Headers" extension for FireFox (and all other Mozilla-based browsers). It allows you to "watch" the headers exchanged by your browser and Web site servers in real-time. It's probably the fastest way to appreciate how the HTTP protocol works, and also an essential tool in verifying that changes you make to your server configuration (for example, installing 301 redirect or cache-control code) are implemented properly. It also comes in very handy for debugging problems with basic password authentication and cookies.

Jim

[the_sponge]

Jim-
Appreciate it, going to read the thread you linked.

I have the extension installed and have been watching it trying to discern some of the information.

Thanks,
Pat