Whenever you access a webpage, your browser sends a request to a server, and the server responds with an HTTP status code. These three-digit codes indicate whether the request succeeded, whether a redirection is required, or whether an error occurred. Every website interaction is shaped by these responses, making them essential for both developers and everyday users.
Categories of Status Codes
The first digit of each code represents its class. There are five main categories, each signaling a different type of response. Understanding these classes helps diagnose issues, optimize user experience, and maintain website health.
1xx Status Code: Informational Responses
These codes mean the server has received the request and is continuing to process it. They are rarely visible to users and usually function behind the scenes.
2xx Status Code: Successful Responses
A 2xx code indicates the request was successfully handled. These codes confirm that the website is functioning properly and serving its content without issues.
3xx Status Code: Redirection Responses
These responses inform the browser that it must go to a different URL to retrieve the requested resource. When managed correctly, these codes help maintain SEO integrity and user flow.
4xx Status Code: Client Error Responses
These codes indicate an issue with the request. Incorrect URLs, missing authentication, or invalid input often cause 4xx errors. Too many of these errors can negatively affect user trust and navigation.
5xx Status Code: Server Error Responses
These codes indicate that while the request was valid, the server could not complete it due to an internal issue. They typically require immediate technical attention.
Most Common HTTP Status Codes
Common Success and Redirection Codes
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200 OK: The request succeeded.
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201 Created: A new resource has been created.
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301 Moved Permanently: The resource has been permanently relocated.
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302 Found: A temporary redirection is in place.
Common Client and Server Errors
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400 Bad Request: The request could not be understood.
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401 Unauthorized: Authentication is required.
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403 Forbidden: The server rejects the request because the user does not have permission to access the resource.
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404 Not Found: The resource could not be located.
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500 Internal Server Error: A server-side error occurred.
Why Status Codes Matter?
Status codes directly influence user experience, website performance, and search engine visibility. A 404 or 500 error often causes visitors to leave immediately. Search engines track these codes regularly and may downgrade sites with excessive errors or broken redirects. Properly configured status codes ensure that content is indexed correctly and users reach the right pages at the right time.
How to Check Status Codes?
Modern browsers offer built-in developer tools that display every request and its associated status code. Additionally, online scanning tools allow website owners to review hundreds of URLs simultaneously. These tools help identify broken links, redirect loops, server issues, and other factors that can affect site performance.
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