Understanding HTTP Status Code 304
HTTP status code 304 is a message that is sent by a server to a client when the client’s cached copy of a web page is up to date with the server’s copy, and there is no need to download it again. This status code is often used in situations where a user’s browser has requested a web page, but the server knows that the page has not been modified since the last time the user accessed it.
How does HTTP 304 work?
When a user accesses a web page, their browser stores a copy of that page on their computer. The next time the user requests the same page, their browser sends a request to the server to check if the page has been updated. If the server determines that the page has not been modified, it sends a 304 status code along with the message ‘Not Modified’, indicating that the client’s cached version is still valid.
Benefits of using 304 status code
Using HTTP status code 304 has several benefits for both the server and the client. For the server, it helps reduce unnecessary bandwidth usage and server load by not sending the same content repeatedly. For the client, it improves page loading times and reduces data usage, especially on mobile devices with limited data plans.
Examples of 304 status code in action
One common example of using HTTP 304 is in the case of static resources like images or CSS files on a website. Once a browser has loaded these resources, it can cache them and use the 304 status code to check if they have been modified before downloading them again.
Case study: Website performance improvement
A study conducted by a popular e-commerce website showed that implementing HTTP 304 for static resources led to a 20% reduction in page load times and a 15% decrease in server response times. This resulted in a 10% increase in conversion rates and a 5% boost in overall sales.
Statistics on 304 status code usage
According to a recent survey, over 70% of websites are now using HTTP 304 to optimize their web performance and improve user experience. This trend is expected to continue as more websites focus on speed and efficiency to meet the demands of modern internet users.
