Website explainer · 1:47

HTTP Status Codes Explained: What 200, 301, 404 and 500 Mean

Name: HTTP Status Codes Explained: What 200, 301, 404 and 500 Mean
Uploaded: 2026-10-19T18:12:30.940Z
Duration: 1 min 47 s
Description: An HTTP status code describes the server response to a request. Check the response as well as the visible page.

What do website numbers such as 200 and 404 mean? An HTTP status code describes the server response to a request.

1:47 · No narration: the video shows each step as text on screen, and every step is written out below, with buttons that jump the video to it.

Download the on-screen text track (VTT)

The six points in the video

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

Step 1: A request gets a response

The browser asks for a resource and receives a status.

On-screen labels: Requested resource; Server response; Status code.
Step 2: 200 usually means success

The request succeeded; the returned content still needs checking.

On-screen labels: Successful request; Returned content; Correct page.
Step 3: 301 means a permanent move

The response points towards another address.

On-screen labels: Old address; Permanent redirect; New destination.
Step 4: 404 means not found

The server could not find the requested resource.

On-screen labels: Missing resource; Possible old link; Useful recovery route.
Step 5: 500 means a server error

The server encountered a problem processing the request.

On-screen labels: Server-side problem; Investigate the cause; Support contact.
Step 6: Match the fix to the response

Match the fix to the actual response and customer impact.

On-screen labels: Check the code; Review the page; Test the customer task.

A practical check for your business

Record the exact address and response when investigating a failed task. A status code is a useful clue, but it needs the request context and the visitor's intended action to explain what to fix.

Sources and further detail

developer.mozilla.org (opens in a new tab)

Common questions

What do website numbers such as 200 and 404 mean?

An HTTP status code describes the server response to a request. Check the response as well as the visible page.

Go further

Guide Read the practical guide More context for planning and maintaining your business website. 7 min read → Jargon Buster HTTP status code explained Read the related Jargon Buster explanation. Read the explanation →

Check the response as well as the visible page.

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HTTP Status Codes Explained: What 200, 301, 404 and 500 Mean

The six points in the video

Step 1: A request gets a response

Step 2: 200 usually means success

Step 3: 301 means a permanent move

Step 4: 404 means not found

Step 5: 500 means a server error

Step 6: Match the fix to the response

A practical check for your business

Sources and further detail

Common questions

What do website numbers such as 200 and 404 mean?

Go further

Check the response as well as the visible page.

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