What does HTTP stand for?

HTTP stands for Hypertext Transfer Protocol. This protocol is a foundational technology of the World Wide Web, serving as the protocol through which data is transmitted on the internet. It defines how messages are formatted and transmitted, as well as the actions web servers and browsers should take in response to various commands.

In the context of web communications, "hypertext" refers to the text displayed on a web page that can be linked to other pages, enabling the interconnected web that users navigate. The "transfer" aspect indicates that this protocol is responsible for the transfer of these hypertext documents—typically HTML files—between clients (like web browsers) and servers. Understanding what HTTP stands for and its function is essential for grasping how web applications operate and communicate over the internet.