When you browse the internet, you interact with a lot of webpages and websites. Every time you click on a link, your browser requests information from the server located somewhere in the world. The server responds to your request through HTTP status codes, and one of the most common groups of HTTP status codes you will encounter is the 2xx series. In this blog post, we will explore the definition and importance of 2xx status codes, how they work, and some examples of what they look like.
Definition of 2xx status codes
HTTP status codes are labels designed to provide information to browser operations, bots, and developers about the status of a webpage. They’re three digits numbers that fall between 100-599. The three digits are classified into five categories, with each category indicating a different meaning. The 2xx series, which ranges from 200-299, indicates successful requests. A 2xx status code tells you that your request was successful, and the server has responded with the requested information.
Why use 2xx status codes?
The 2xx series is essential because it confirms that a request was successful in retrieving critical data to fill out a web page. For example, when you fill in an online form with your contact information and submit it, you usually get a “thank you” page which assigns a 2xx code. In short, 2xx status codes help inform the browser that it was successful in connecting to the server and the info requested was delivered. Moreover, it is essential to provide status codes that indicate that everything’s working to a use case’s satisfaction.
Why is it important?
2xx codes help web developers test and find errors quickly. When using a browser’s developer console, they provide a fast way to check whether a request was successful, and everything is okay. These codes are critical if the web page needs additional action from the user, such as entering a captcha or a 2FA code. The use of these codes can help website owners track and monitor user behavior, as they indicate that a specific request has been made and was successful.
How does it work?
When a client, such as a browser, sends a request to a server, the server reads the request header and returns a response code. The initial 2 in every 2xx code indicates success. For instance, a 200 series code tells that the request was successful and the server was able to deliver requested information. Besides, these status codes have specific meanings to the developer and the browser, especially when they need to debug the website’s functionality. Where a header of the response with status code 204, for instance, would indicate that the client does not need to send any further requests to this info.
Examples
The most common 2xx HTTP status codes are 200 – “OK,” 201 – “Created,” 202 – “Accepted,” and 204 – “No Content.” The 200 code is the most common status message, indicating that everything is okay and can respond to the request as planned. The 201 code indicates the creation of a new resource on the server, and the 202 code tells a client that its request is accepted and maybe processed later. Status code 204 signals that the HTTP request completed successfully but does not return a content body, meaning the action performed is to be displayed elsewhere.
Common Questions and answers
If a 2xx code is so important, why aren’t they all the same?
It’s because each code has a unique meaning and can help distinguish the outcome of a request. For example, a 201 code may indicate that a payment processed while a 200 code may indicate a page has loaded.
HTTP status codes are essential for both developers and users. The 2xx status codes indicate that a request was successful and everything’s running smoothly on the server. These codes show specific details about an action taken and can assist developers debugging their websites. They are integral to user satisfaction and signify that a request was completed as requested. The next time you’re browsing the internet, know that the 2xx codes affirm a successful page load.
