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Technical Vocabularyabbreviation · /eɪtʃ tiː tiː piː/

HTTP

In simple English

HTTP is the foundation of data communication on the World Wide Web. When you visit a website in your browser, you are using HTTP to request and receive web pages. In tech workplaces, engineers discuss HTTP when building web applications, APIs, and services that communicate over the internet. HTTP uses a request-response model: a client sends an HTTP request to a server, and the server responds with the requested data or an error message. Common HTTP methods include GET (retrieve data), POST (submit data), PUT (update data), and DELETE (remove data). Understanding HTTP is essential for web developers, backend engineers, and anyone working with web services. HTTPS (HTTP Secure) is the encrypted version of HTTP, which adds a layer of security using SSL/TLS encryption. Most modern websites use HTTPS instead of HTTP to protect user data and privacy.

Understand what HTTP is, how it works, and why it is essential for web communication in tech.

At a glanceCEFR B2
Commonness5/5
Versatility4/5
FormalityCasualFormalNeutral
Spoken ↔ WrittenSpokenWrittenBoth
Directness ↔ DiplomaticDirectDiplomaticDirect
RegionUS and UK
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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

Real examples

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."

Don't say this

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.

✕We need to HTTP the data to the server.
✓We need to send the data to the server using HTTP.— HTTP is a protocol name, not a verb. You use HTTP to send or transmit data, but you do not HTTP something.
✕The website is running on HTTP, so it is secure.
✓The website is running on HTTPS, so it is 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✕HTTP is outdated and no one uses it anymore.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

noun

HTTP

"HTTP is the protocol used to transfer web pages from servers to browsers."

noun

HTTP request

"The browser sends an HTTP request to retrieve the home page."

noun

HTTP response

"The server returns an HTTP response with a status code and the requested data."

Often used with

HTTP requestA message sent from a client to a server asking for data or an action
HTTP responseA message sent from a server back to a client containing the requested data or status information
HTTP methodActions like GET, POST, PUT, DELETE that define what the request is trying to do
HTTP status codeA three-digit number indicating the result of the request (e.g., 200 for success, 404 for not found)
HTTP headerMetadata sent with requests and responses to provide additional information
HTTP endpointA specific URL on a server that accepts HTTP requests

Similar words

web protocolA general term for protocols used on the web; HTTP is the specific and most common one
application layer protocolA technical classification; HTTP is one type among many, but not a direct synonym

Opposites

HTTPS (encrypted version of HTTP)FTP (File Transfer Protocol, used for file transfer rather than web content)

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Practice

Try it

4 quick exercises

Pick the most natural phrasing

1. Your colleague asks about the protocol for your API. How do you respond most naturally?

Complete the sentence

2. The browser sends an _______ to the web server to request a web page.

Spot the mistake

3. Which sentence uses HTTP correctly?

Rewrite naturally

4. Rewrite this sentence using HTTP: 'The connection between the browser and the website uses a specific standard for sending and receiving information.'

Questions

Quick poll

Have you said "http" in a standup this week?

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