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What is HTTP?

HTTP, or Hypertext Transfer Protocol, is the foundation of how data is exchanged on the web. When you type a web address into your browser and hit enter, HTTP is the set of rules that governs how your browser requests a page and how the server sends it back. 

The process works in a simple request-response cycle. Your browser sends an HTTP request to a web server, and the server responds with the content, whether that’s a webpage, image, or file. This happens almost instantly and is what makes everyday browsing possible.

One important limitation of HTTP is that it does not encrypt data in transit. Any information sent over a standard HTTP connection can potentially be intercepted by third parties. This is why most websites today use HTTPS, which adds a layer of encryption to protect data as it travels between your browser and the server. 

When you see a padlock icon in your browser’s address bar, that indicates the site is using HTTPS rather than HTTP.