IntermediateTopic 70 of 104Software & Computing
HTTP and HTTPS
Web request-response protocol, secured with TLS.
In depth
HTTP is the request-response protocol of the web: methods, headers, status codes, cookies and caching. HTTPS wraps HTTP in TLS providing encryption, integrity and server authentication with certificates. HTTP/2 multiplexes streams; HTTP/3 uses QUIC.
Key points
- Status 200, 301, 404, 500
- TLS handshake
- Certificate authorities
ExampleThe browser's padlock indicates a verified HTTPS connection.
What is HTTP and HTTPS?
Web request-response protocol, secured with TLS.
Why is it important to understand HTTP and HTTPS?
HTTP and HTTPS carry nearly all web traffic, so understanding requests and responses explains how web applications work.
What is the difference between HTTP and HTTPS?
HTTPS wraps HTTP in TLS encryption, which protects data in transit and lets the client verify the server's identity.
What are cookies used for?
Storing state, such as a session identifier, between requests, which HTTP itself does not keep.
How is HTTP and HTTPS used in practice?
Typical applications include sending a form from a browser to a server and reading the response, debugging an API call that returns an error code and securing a login page with HTTPS so passwords are not sent in clear text.
What should I learn before HTTP and HTTPS?
Study "DNS" first (topic 69 of 104 in Software & Computing). It covers the groundwork this topic builds on.
What are the key points of HTTP and HTTPS?
Status 200, 301, 404, 500. TLS handshake. Certificate authorities.
Can you give an example of HTTP and HTTPS?
The browser's padlock indicates a verified HTTPS connection.
What comes after HTTP and HTTPS?
The next topic is "Network security basics", which builds directly on this one.
How difficult is HTTP and HTTPS?
It is classed as Intermediate in Software & Computing (topic 70 of 104). It is an intermediate topic. Work through the beginner topics in Software & Computing first.