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Module 3~8 min

HTTP and HTTPS

HTTP and HTTPS are the languages web browsers and servers use to talk to each other. This lesson explains the key difference between them.

What You'll Learn

  • What HTTP is
  • What HTTPS adds
  • Why HTTPS matters for security

HTTP: The Language of the Web

HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) is the standard way web browsers request pages from servers and receive them back. It's the foundation that makes browsing the web possible.

HTTPS: HTTP, Secured

HTTPS adds encryption to HTTP, protecting the data exchanged between your browser and a website from being read or tampered with by anyone in between.

Example

When a website's address starts with https:// and shows a lock icon, the connection is encrypted -- important whenever you're entering passwords or personal information.

Key Concepts

HTTPHTTPSEncryption

Key Takeaways

  • HTTP is the protocol browsers use to request and receive web pages
  • HTTPS adds encryption to protect that exchange
  • Look for HTTPS whenever entering sensitive information online

Knowledge Check

What does HTTPS add compared to plain HTTP?

What does HTTPS add compared to plain HTTP?