What is HTTP?

HTTP stands for Hypertext Transfer Protocol which is a network communication protocol that helps exchange data between computers with one and others. Data that can be sent via HTTP includes HTML files, multimedia files, and more. The port used for HTTP is port 80. After you know what is HTTP, read through this explanation about the function and so on.

First used on the World Wide Web (WWW) by Tim Berners Lee, HTTP is a client-server-based protocol that is constantly evolving. There are several versions of HTTP, starting from HTTP/0.9, HTTP/1.0, HTTP/1.1, HTTP/2.0, and the latest HTTP/3.0.

How HTTP Works

HTTP is a communication protocol used to connect clients and servers. In web applications, the client is the browser used by the user while the server is the web application that is accessed by the user.

The way HTTP works is that the client will establish a connection and send a document request to the server. After receiving the client’s request, the HTTP server will process the request and send a response with a data status code to the client. Next, the server will close the connection and the client will receive the reply.

HTTP Functions

The function of HTTP is to set the format and determine how data is transmitted between the client and server. Another HTTP function is to build secure communications to avoid cyber crimes such as hacking or data theft. This is supported by the HTTPS protocol which is a more secure version of HTTP.

Difference between HTTP and HTTPS

Although these two protocols look the same at a glance, HTTP and HTTPS have other differences. The differences between HTTPS and HTTP are as follows:

Security

HTTPS stands for Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure so this protocol ensures the security of user data. This data security does not exist in the HTTP protocol.

SSL

HTTP bridges the communication between client and server, as well as HTTPS. However, the implementation of HTTPS requires an SSL certificate to ensure the security and confidentiality of user data during the communication process. Sensitive data belonging to users can be in the form of e-banking passwords, e-money, personal identities, and others.

Port

Another thing that makes HTTP and HTTPS different is the type of port used. The port used for HTTP is port 80, while HTTPS uses port 443.