The Bottom Line
Knowing the backend is what distinguishes a good developer from a great one.
Pros
- A good overview of Hypertext Transfer Protocol
- Clear explanation of HTTP requests and their uses
- Small book can go with you wherever you go
Cons
- None
Description
- Sections on response codes, headers, URL encoding, media types, and much more.
- Status codes and headers explained in detail.
- Thorough explanation of HTTP requests with examples and explanations.
Guide Review - HTTP Pocket Reference by Clinton Wong
In Web development, most people focus on the HTML and design, but there is a very important component that is often overlooked -- the server, the HTTP, and so on. If you are a developer who understands HTTP, you can create pages that interact with it, and you will create better sites. The first thing to learn is the transfer protocol for Web documents, HTTP. This small book, like the other pocket guides I've reviewed, has a lot to offer. It gives you a good overview of what the HyperText Transfer Protocol is and is also an excellent reference manual for the headers and status codes that are in an HTTP transaction. If you understand HTTP, you can query Web servers to help you debug problems, and make your Web programs more efficient.
