HTTP status codes are three-digit numbers issued by a server in response to a client's request made to the server. They serve as a means of communication between the server and the client (typically a web browser), indicating the result of the client's request. The purpose of HTTP status codes can be summarized as follows:
1. Indicating the Outcome of a Request
HTTP status codes inform the client about the outcome of their request. This can range from successful processing to various types of errors. Each status code falls into one of five categories, indicated by the first digit of the code:
1xx (Informational): The request was received, and the server is continuing the process.
2xx (Success): The request was successfully received, understood, and accepted.
3xx (Redirection): Further action is needed to complete the request, often involving redirection to another URL.
4xx (Client Error): The request contains bad syntax or cannot be fulfilled by the server.
5xx (Server Error): The server failed to fulfill a valid request due to an error on the server side[2][3][4][6].
2. Facilitating Debugging and Troubleshooting
HTTP status codes help developers and system administrators diagnose and troubleshoot issues. For example, a 404 status code indicates that the requested resource could not be found, which might suggest a broken link or an incorrect URL. A 500 status code indicates a server error, prompting a check on server-side issues[2][3][4].
3. Guiding Client Behavior
Certain status codes instruct the client on what to do next. For instance, a 301 status code indicates that a resource has been permanently moved to a new URL, and the client should update its links. A 302 status code indicates a temporary redirection, suggesting that the client should continue to use the original URL for future requests[1][2][3][4]....
