What is an HTTP request?

An HTTP request is a message that a client (browser, application, script) sends to a server over the HTTP protocol in order to get data or perform an action.

In simple terms: an HTTP request is the specific form a client's "ask" to a server takes under HTTP's rules.

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#Why an HTTP request is needed

An HTTP request is needed to:

• request a web page
• send form data
• get data from an API
• delete or change data on the server

Without an HTTP request the server does nothing: it always waits for a request from the client.

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#What happens during an HTTP request

1. The client builds an HTTP request
2. It sends the request to the server
3. The server reads the request
4. The server performs the needed action
5. The server sends an HTTP response

The scheme is always the same:

HTTP request → HTTP response

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#What an HTTP request consists of (in simple terms)

An HTTP request usually contains:

#1. Method, what to do

For example:

• get data
• send data
• delete a resource

(the best known: GET, POST, PUT, DELETE)

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#2. URL, what to address

The address of the resource on the server, for example:

• a page
• a file
• an API method

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#3. Headers, service information

For example:

• the data type
• authorization information
• data about the client

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#4. Request body, data

Not always sent:

• form data
• JSON for an API
• files

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#A simple example

When you open a site:

"Server, give me the page /index.html"

That is an HTTP request.

When you submit a form:

"Server, here is the user's data, save it"

That is also an HTTP request, just with data inside it.

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#Key properties of an HTTP request

• always sent by the client
• the server never sends the request first
• each request is independent (HTTP is stateless)

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#Short answer for an interview

Remember this wording:

An HTTP request is a message sent by a client to a server over HTTP that contains information about the requested action, the resource, and the data being transferred.