Visible Shape of HTTP
Learn to recognize the basic shape of an HTTP request and response before working with browser tools.
When you see something like GET /api/courses 200 OK, you should know what the visible pieces mean.
HTTP Is a Conversation
A client sends a request. A server sends a response.
The Shape of an HTTP Request
A request tells the server what the client wants to do.
For now, focus on the first line.
Describes the action the client wants to perform.
GET
In this example: "I want to retrieve something."
Identifies where the request is going.
/api/courses/123
Think: "Which resource am I asking for?"
Carry additional information about the request.
Accept: application/json
You do not need to memorize headers yet.
Carries data sent with the request when needed.
JSON / form data / other content
Some requests have no body.
The Shape of an HTTP Response
The server answers the request with a response.
Status
Tells you the result of the request.
Response Body
Contains the data returned by the server.
{"id":123,"title":"REST API Mastery"}
Request → Response
The two pieces belong together.
Response = what the server answers.
Read This Correctly
Suppose you see:
404 Not Found
404 means the requested resource was not found.
Status Is the Server's Answer
The request succeeded.
The requested resource was not found.
For this lesson, you only need to recognize the idea:
The Shape You Should Remember
Can You Read This?
200 OK
Three Things to See
Lesson 0.2 — Find API Communication in a Browser
You now know what an HTTP request and response look like. Next, you will use Chrome DevTools to find this communication happening behind a real website.