Chapter 1. HTTP Pocket Reference

This book describes HTTP, the Hypertext Transfer Protocol. It provides a high level description of how the protocol works, along with reference information on client requests and server responses. Included are dumps of HTTP transactions, as well as tabular data that summarizes most of the standardized parameters used in HTTP.

The HTTP Pocket Reference is intended for system administrators, web site developers, and software engineers. With an understanding of HTTP, system administrators will have a better understanding of web site configuration and debugging. Web site designers can implement services that make better use of the protocol and streamline web client and server interaction. Software engineers who need to implement HTTP will find this book useful for its short, concise description of the protocol.