Definition of HTTP

HTTP stands for Hyper Text Transfer Protocol. It defines the manner, rules, or protocol in which a webpage transfers from the website to a computer. It is the defining protocol for moving hypertext files across the Internet. For this to occur, an HTTP client must be in existence as well as an HTTP server program. It is the most important communication protocol on intranets and the World Wide Web.

Specifically, HTTP involves a request-response standard between two parties referred to as the client and the server. The server is further known as the origin server or website, whereas the client is the end-user or user agent. The client makes an HTTP request typically using a web browser or spider and the server responds with data taken from its stored resources or created anew including HTML files and images. Proxies, tunnels, and gateways can exist between the server and the client.

External links:

• A Wikipedia explanation of http
• W3C detailed breakdown of http