← IGCSE Computer Science Paper 1

Purpose of HTTP

Hypertext Transfer Protocol: the set of rules a browser and web server use to request and send web pages. It is the default protocol for the web and is used only for web pages.

Part of: IGCSE Computer Science 0478 — 5.1 The Internet and the World Wide Web — Module 12, ACARA Digital Technologies Years 7–8 — Wired and Wireless Networks — Module 35, ACARA Digital Technologies Years 9–10 — Networked Systems and Access Control — Module 56, QCE Digital Solutions Unit 4 — Digital Methods for Exchanging Data — Module 93, WA Computer Science ATAR Year 11 — Network Communications — Module 55, WA Computer Science ATAR Year 11 — Cyber Security — Module 25

Understanding Purpose of HTTP in IGCSE Computer Science Paper 1

What it does: HTTP is only for requesting and sending web pages. Other services such as email use different protocols. An HTTP request names the page the browser wants, and the web server sends the page back in an HTTP response. HTTP stands for Hypertext Transfer Protocol: a set of rules for transferring hypertext (web pages).

Common mistakes: The acronym for Hypertext Transfer Protocol is HTTP. HTML is the markup language used to build web pages, not a protocol. The server sends the web page in its HTTP response. The browser only displays it, so line 4 should be: browser displays the web page.

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This module's key terms are also in a printable crossword (Modules 464–476) and word search (Modules 464–489).

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Learning

Duo

What does HTTP stand for?

High Transfer Text ProgramHypertext Transfer Protocol

Matches

HTTP = Hypertext Transmission Program

↓

HTTP stands for Hypertext Transfer Protocol. It is a protocol (a set of rules), not a program.

Applying

Meanings

Term

HTTP

Meaning

Hypertext Transfer Protocol: the set of rules a browser and web server use to request and send web pages. It is the default protocol for the web and is used only for web pages.

Practice

GET /index.html HTTP/1.1

Testing

Gaps

://www.example.com/index.html

Check Answer

Spots

1acronym = 'HTML'

2meaning = 'Hypertext Transfer'

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Quick Questions

1. What does HTTP stand for?

A. High Transfer Text Program

B. Hypertext Transfer Protocol ✓

HTTP stands for Hypertext Transfer Protocol: a set of rules for transferring hypertext (web pages).

2. What is the main purpose of HTTP?

A. Rules for a browser and web server to request and send web pages ✓

B. Rules for sending emails between mail servers

HTTP is the set of rules a browser and web server follow to request and send web pages. Email uses different protocols.

3. Which statement about HTTP is correct?

A. It is used for all internet data, including email and file transfer

B. It is used only for web pages ✓

HTTP is used for the web only. Other protocols handle things like email and file transfer.

4. Which is the default protocol for web pages?

A. HTTP ✓

B. SMTP

HTTP is the default protocol for the web. SMTP is used for sending email.

5. In the term 'hypertext transfer', what is being transferred?

A. Web pages containing hypertext and links ✓

B. Only the user's passwords

Hypertext is the text and links that make up web pages. HTTP transfers these pages between server and browser.

Match the Pairs

HTTP → Hypertext Transfer Protocol: the rules a browser and web server use to request and send web pages

http://www.example.com/index.html → A URL that starts with the default protocol for web pages, telling the browser to use HTTP to fetch the page

HTTP is used for the web only: it transfers web pages, not emails → HTTP = web pages

The browser asks the web server for a page using HTTP → GET /index.html HTTP/1.1

HTTP = Hypertext Transmission Program → HTTP stands for Hypertext Transfer Protocol. It is a protocol (a set of rules), not a program.

HTTP is used to send emails and transfer files of any kind → HTTP is used only for web pages. Email and other services use different protocols.

Key Term

HTTP

Hypertext Transfer Protocol: the set of rules a browser and web server use to request and send web pages. It is the default protocol for the web and is used only for web pages.

Fill in the Blanks

1. http://www.example.com/index.html

Hint: Type the protocol name that starts a standard web page URL.

2. GET /index.html HTTP/1.1

Hint: Type the protocol name in capitals that the browser uses in its request line.

3. Browser sends an HTTP request to server

Hint: Type the word for the message a browser sends to ask for a web page.

4. Server sends an HTTP response to browser

Hint: Type the word for the message the web server sends back with the page.

5. HTTP stands for Hypertext Transfer Protocol

Hint: Type the first word of the full name, the type of linked text that web pages use.

Spot the Error

Question 1

A acronym = 'HTML'

B meaning = 'Hypertext Transfer'

C kind = 'protocol'

Line A — The acronym for Hypertext Transfer Protocol is HTTP. HTML is the markup language used to build web pages, not a protocol.

Question 2

A browser sends HTTP request

B server finds the web page

C server sends HTTP response

D browser sends the web page

Line D — The server sends the web page in its HTTP response. The browser only displays it, so line 4 should be: browser displays the web page.

Question 3

A protocol = 'HTTP'

B if protocol == 'HTTP':

C print('email only')

Line C — HTTP is used only for requesting and sending web pages, not for email. The line should print 'web pages only'.

Question 4

A GET /index.html FTP/1.1

B Host: www.example.com

C Accept: text/html

Line A — A browser requesting a web page names the HTTP protocol in the request line. It should say HTTP/1.1, not FTP/1.1.

Question 5

A url = 'example.com/home.html'

B default_protocol = 'SMTP'

C print('Web page requested')

Line B — HTTP is the default protocol for web pages. SMTP is used for sending email, so the value should be 'HTTP'.

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