Hi!

What is HTTP?

HTTP protocol is used to exchange information through the web. Main task of this protocol is to provide connection between client devices and servers over the internet.

So when user opens the browser, HTTP protocol sends request to the server for necessary resources to load the page. When server returns the response, protocol returns with our resources that then can be displayed to the user.

This responses can contain text documents, images or layouts. Our web browser then piece it all together and display content that we see.

HTTP Request / Response

Below we can see full cycle:

1. Client device sends an HTTP request to the web
2. Web server receives the request
3. The server runs an application to process the request
4. The server returns an HTTP response (output) to the browser
5. The client (the browser) receives the response

HTTP and HTTPS

HTTP data transfers are text. So they can be easily manipulated or extracted. Also big problem with HTTP is that it can be easily can be easily deceived. So in simpler words some third party client service can manipulate our request in such way that it will be redirected to them while our service will think it was redirected to us.

For this reasons we also have HTTPS service (HTTP Secure). This service will allow us to encrypt our data using third party certificate. Comparing it with our manipulating example above, here to receive data back we need to show certificate that we are entitled to the data. So our transfer is more protected. Also encrypting the data makes it harder to steal as it is not simple text anymore.

We should always check if our connection is secured especially when we enter websites where we log in. So when entering our bank site or e-mail it is always good to check left side of our link if we see the lock. This means we are good to go.

Stay safe!