Common HTTP Status Codes and Their Importance

What Are HTTP Status Codes?

HTTP status codes are three-digit numbers sent by a server to indicate the result of a client’s request. These codes are grouped into five main classes:

• 1xx: Informational
  • The request was received and is being processed.
  • Example: 100 Continue — The client should continue sending the request.
• 2xx: Success
  • The request was successfully received and processed.
  • Example: 200 OK — The server is returning the requested data.
• 3xx: Redirection
  • The client must take further action to complete the request.
  • Example: 301 Moved Permanently — The resource has been moved to a new URL.
• 4xx: Client Errors
  • There was an error in the client’s request.
  • Example: 404 Not Found — The page could not be found on the server.
• 5xx: Server Errors
  • The server failed to process a valid request.
  • Example: 500 Internal Server Error — The server encountered an unexpected problem.

Why Are HTTP Status Codes Important?

HTTP status codes are essential in web development, SEO, and user experience. Here’s why:

• Troubleshooting: Developers use them to detect and fix issues.
• SEO: Search engines check status codes to rank and index your pages correctly.
• User Experience: Correct redirects and error handling prevent broken links.

Common HTTP Status Codes You Should Know

• 200 OK: Everything works correctly.
• 301 Moved Permanently: Permanent redirect.
• 302 Found: Temporary redirect.
• 403 Forbidden: Access denied.
• 404 Not Found: Page not found.
• 500 Internal Server Error: Server-side failure.

Final Thoughts

Knowing how to interpret HTTP status codes helps you maintain a healthy, optimized website. Whether you are a developer, marketer, or website owner, these codes are the key to solving issues quickly and improving performance.

For deeper insights into redirects and SEO, read our guide: Everything You Need to Know About Redirects .

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