Definition of HTTP (Hyper Text Transfer Protocol)

HTTP literally means Hyper-Text Transfer Protocol. This term refers to a communication protocol that allows the user to access the server via the browser. Operated by all web browsers, it offers the possibility of maintaining fluid data exchanges.

Data exchange via servers

The HTTP protocol connects the computer to a web server. The first uses the browser for this purpose and gets the data instantly. It was developed for the World Wide Web. In other words, the HTTP protocol is intended to offer Internet users access to various contents of websites, web pages, CSS files, etc. It is thanks to it that users can distinguish secure sites from unsecured ones. When you launch a web page, you instantly access information about the site. This information comes from the server using the HTTP protocol.

HTTP servers are varied, but some are more efficient than others, such as Apache HTTP Server. This server is currently popular with more than 50% of websites. The level of confidentiality that the HTTP protocol offers is greater. Moreover, there is a more secure version of the HTTP protocol: the HTTPS protocol. Online sales sites often use HTTPS to secure buyers’ navigation, particularly when it comes to online transactions.

HTTP or HTTPS: what to choose?

When developing a website, the choice of server is essential. This selection is made based on the nature of the site and its content. The HTTPS server is best suited for sites that require optimized privacy protection. The HTTPS or Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure protocol is defined as a secure version of the HTTP protocol. It is a sort of combination between the HTTP language and the security protocol for web exchanges.

Thanks to the HTTPS protocol, it is possible to preserve the integrity of the data exchanged while protecting the authentication of a server. This protocol makes it possible to resolve security vulnerabilities in terms of data accessibility. Information shared on websites thus becomes secure. In general, commercial sites favor the use of this protocol in order to secure online purchases. To recognize the HTTPS certificate, this protocol is displayed as a small padlock on the address bar.