What is the HTTP in the Computer Network?

HTTP represents "Hypertext Transfer Protocol." HTTP is the protocol that can transfer information over the network. It is the Internet protocol suite method and defines commands and functions used for sharing web page data.

HTTP uses a server-client model. A client, for example, maybe a laptop or telephone device. The HTTP server is frequently a web host running web server software, such as Apache or IIS.

HTTP also represents commands such as GET and POST, which are used to handle submissions on websites. The CONNECT command can act as a fast connection that is encrypted using a secure socket layer (SSL).

HTTP is equivalent to SMTP as the data is transferred between client and server. The HTTP differs from the SMTP in how the messages are sent from the client to the server and from the server to the client. SMTP messages are saved and advanced, while HTTP messages are delivered directly.

Features

The features of HTTP are as follows −

Connectionless protocol

HTTP is a connectionless protocol. HTTP user initiates a request and waits for a response from the server. When the server gets the request, the server processes the request and sends back the response to the HTTP user, after which the client disconnects the connection.

Media independent

HTTP protocol is media independent as data can be transmitted as long as both the user and server know how to manage the data content. It is necessary for both the user and server to specify the content type in the MIME-type header.

Stateless

It is a stateless protocol as both the client and server learn each other only during the current request. In HTTP every client connection opens a new session that sends its request the stateless nature keeps the protocol very simple and straightforward. This consumes very few resources on the server and can support more simultaneous users since there are no client information overheads to be maintained throughout the sessions.