What does HTTP stand for?

HTTP stands for HyperText Transfer Protocol. It is the fundamental protocol used for transmitting data over the World Wide Web. When you access a website, your browser makes a request to a server using this protocol to retrieve the resources necessary to display web pages.

Understanding the components of the term can help clarify its meaning: "HyperText" refers to the text displayed on web pages that can link to other text, images, and media, enabling interactive browsing. "Transfer" highlights the protocol's role in data exchange, and "Protocol" signifies a standardized set of rules that govern how data is communicated between devices on a network.

By familiarizing yourself with HTTP, you also lay the groundwork for understanding more complicated concepts, such as message formats, status codes, and other related protocols like HTTPS, which adds a layer of security.