ELI5: http

// eli5

What is HTTP?

HTTP stands for "Hypertext Transfer Protocol" and it's like a special language that your computer uses to talk to other computers on the internet [1][2]. Think of it like a mailman who delivers messages between your house (your computer) and other houses (websites) [2].

Why do we need it?

Without HTTP, your computer wouldn't know how to ask for a webpage or how to understand the answer it gets back [2]. It's the set of rules that makes sure everyone on the internet speaks the same way [1][5].

How does it work?

When you click on a link or type a website address, your computer sends a request using HTTP asking "Can I please have this webpage?" and the website's computer sends back the webpage information [3][4].

Why is it important?

HTTP is the foundation of the entire World Wide Web, which means almost everything you do online—watching videos, reading articles, looking at pictures—uses HTTP to work [1].