HTTP Request

An HTTP request is a message a browser or another client sends to a web server to ask for a resource or perform an action. Opening a service page triggers requests for its page content and supporting files; submitting a form may send another request with visitor-entered information. The server responds with an HTTP status code and, when appropriate, content. Requests can use different methods, such as GET for retrieval and POST for submitting data. A request is not proof that a visitor read the page or completed a purchase. Understanding the exchange helps explain loading problems, form errors, and some website analytics behavior.