Say it like this
- Make an HTTP request to the server
- Switch from HTTP to HTTPS
- The API uses HTTP methods like GET and POST
Use it at work
Debugging
- The HTTP request returns a 403.
- Check the HTTP status code first.
Security
- Redirect all HTTP traffic to HTTPS.
- Never send passwords over plain HTTP.
Design
- Use HTTP caching headers for these images.
- Is this an HTTP or gRPC service?
Don't say this
HTTP is a protocol name, not a verb. You use HTTP to send or transmit data, but you do not HTTP something.
Don't mix it up
| Term | What it is | Who writes or uses it | When |
|---|---|---|---|
| HTTP | Protocol for web requests | Developers | Every web request |
| HTTPS | HTTP with encryption | Developers | Should be default |
Practice
Try it
4 quick exercises
1. Your colleague asks about the protocol for your API. How do you respond most naturally?
2. The browser sends an _______ to the web server to request a web page.
3. Which sentence uses HTTP correctly?
4. Rewrite this sentence using HTTP: 'The connection between the browser and the website uses a specific standard for sending and receiving information.'
Say it out loud
Phrase 1 of 3
"Make an HTTP request to the server"
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More about HTTP
Real examples(3)
- in a standup
"We discovered that some endpoints are still using HTTP instead of HTTPS, so we need to migrate them this sprint."
- in a code review
"This client-side code needs to handle HTTP status codes properly, especially 404 and 500 errors."
- in a team meeting
"Our new microservice communicates via HTTP REST APIs, which allows loose coupling between services."
More mistakes(2)
Handle with care. HTTP is an acronym that should not be used as a verb; do not say 'HTTP the request' or 'HTTPing the data'. It is a protocol name, not an action.
- ✕The website is running on HTTP, so it is secure.✓The website is running on HTTPS, so it's secure.
HTTP is not secure by default. HTTPS (with encryption) is the secure version. Websites should use HTTPS to protect user data.
- ✕HTTP is outdated and no one uses it anymore.✓HTTP is still widely used, but HTTPS is now the standard for security reasons.
HTTP is still used in many contexts, but best practice is to use HTTPS for any site handling user data or sensitive information.
Other forms(3)
- HTTP noun
"HTTP is the protocol used to transfer web pages from servers to browsers."
- HTTP request noun
"The browser sends an HTTP request to retrieve the home page."
- HTTP response noun
"The server returns an HTTP response with a status code and the requested data."
Often used with(6)
- HTTP request · A message sent from a client to a server asking for data or an action
- HTTP response · A message sent from a server back to a client containing the requested data or status information
- HTTP method · Actions like GET, POST, PUT, DELETE that define what the request is trying to do
- HTTP status code · A three-digit number indicating the result of the request (e.g., 200 for success, 404 for not found)
- HTTP header · Metadata sent with requests and responses to provide additional information
- HTTP endpoint · A specific URL on a server that accepts HTTP requests
Similar words(2)
- web protocol · A general term for protocols used on the web; HTTP is the specific and most common one
- application layer protocol · A technical classification; HTTP is one type among many, but not a direct synonym
Opposites(2)
- HTTPS (encrypted version of HTTP)
- FTP (File Transfer Protocol, used for file transfer rather than web content)
Questions(6)
- What does HTTP stand for?
- HTTP stands for HyperText Transfer Protocol. It is the standard protocol used for transferring web pages and data across the internet between clients (like web browsers) and servers.
- What is the difference between HTTP and HTTPS?
- HTTP transmits data in plain text, making it vulnerable to interception. HTTPS (HTTP Secure) encrypts the data using SSL/TLS, protecting it from unauthorized access. Modern websites should always use HTTPS, especially for handling sensitive information like passwords or payment data.
- What are HTTP methods and how are they used?
- HTTP methods are actions that define what an HTTP request is trying to do. The main methods are GET (retrieve data), POST (submit new data), PUT (update existing data), PATCH (partially update data), and DELETE (remove data). Each method has a specific purpose in RESTful APIs.
- What is an HTTP status code?
- An HTTP status code is a three-digit number returned by a server to indicate the result of a request. Common codes include 200 (success), 301 (redirect), 400 (bad request), 404 (not found), and 500 (server error). Understanding status codes is essential for debugging web applications.
- How do you use HTTP in a sentence at work?
- You typically discuss HTTP when talking about protocols, requests, responses, or security. For example: 'We need to upgrade all HTTP endpoints to HTTPS' or 'This HTTP request returns a 404 status code.'
- Is HTTP formal or informal?
- HTTP is neutral and technical. It is used in formal documentation, technical specifications, and casual team conversations. The formality depends on the context, not the term itself.
