HTTP or hypertext transfer protocol, is the entire backbone of the world wide web. It is the protocol used to process, render, and deliver web pages from the server-side to the client browser. HTTP is the means through which most of the web is displayed. HTTP and HTTPS work through what are called requests. These requests are created by the user browser when the user performs some interaction with a website. This is a critical element in page rendering, and without it, you would not be using the world wide web as it exists today. How it works: Let's say that someone searches for "how to do a website migration". The request is sent to the server, which then sends another request back with the query results. These results are displayed on the SERP (search engine results page) that you see when you complete the search. All of this takes place in a manner of milliseconds. But, that is a very general overview of how hypertext transfer protocol works. What is HTTP? HTTP is the abbreviation for hypertext transfer protocol. This is the main method by which the data of web pages are transferred over a network. Web pages are stored on servers, which are then served to the client computer as the user accesses them. The resulting network of these connections creates the world wide web as we know it today. Without HTTP, the world wide web (WWW) as we know it would not exist. There is one major issue with an HTTP connection — the data that is transferred over an HTTP connection is not encrypted, so you run the risk of third-party attackers stealing the information. Any information transmitted over this network via HTTP is not private, so any credit card data and sensitive information should not be submitted if you are on an HTTP page. What is HTTPS? HTTPS is the abbreviation for hypertext transfer protocol secure, or secure hypertext transfer protocol if you are not a stickler for semantics. Me, I am always up for some antics. (bonus points if you can guess the movie where that joke is from). How Does HTTPS Work? Unlike HTTP, HTTPS uses a secure certificate from a third-party vendor to secure a connection and verify that the site is legitimate. This secure certificate is known as an SSL Certificate (or "cert"). SSL is an abbreviation for "secure sockets layer". This is what creates a secure, encrypted connection between a browser and a server, which protects the layer of communication between the two. This certificate encrypts a connection with a level of protection that is designated at your time of the purchase of an SSL certificate. An SSL certificate provides an extra layer of security for sensitive data that you do not want third-party attackers to access. This additional security can be extremely important when it comes to running e-commerce websites. Some Examples: When you want to secure the transmission of credit card data or other sensitive information (such as someone's real address and physical identity). When you run a lead generation website that relies on someone's real information, in which case you want to use HTTPS to safeguard against malicious attacks on the user's data. There are many benefits to HTTPS that are worth the slight cost. Remember, if the certificate is not present, a third-party could easily scan the connection for sensitive data.
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