HTTP Headers Explained: Information Sent Alongside Website Requests and Responses

The six points in the video

This is a silent video. The headings, explanations and labels below reproduce the information on screen.

1. 1

   Step 1: Headers accompany messages

   0:18

   They pass additional information between the client and server.

   On-screen labels: Request information; Response information; Named fields.

2. 2

   Step 2: Each header has a meaning

   0:30

   The field name identifies the kind of information supplied.

   On-screen labels: Header name; Header value; Defined purpose.

3. 3

   Step 3: Content type describes format

   0:42

   Content-Type identifies the media type of the supplied content.

   On-screen labels: Document format; Media type; Content interpretation.

4. 4

   Step 4: Caching uses header guidance

   0:54

   Cache-Control can communicate rules about storing and reusing a response.

   On-screen labels: Storage rules; Reuse conditions; Cache behaviour.

5. 5

   Step 5: Requests have headers too

   1:06

   The browser can send information about what it accepts.

   On-screen labels: Client preferences; Accept header; Requested representation.

6. 6

   Step 6: Inspect the real message

   1:18

   A developer can review the headers received for the specific resource.

   On-screen labels: Actual resource; Received fields; Expected configuration.

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