‘http’ – ‘https’ – ‘www’ – The difference according to Central Coast Website Developers – Website Guy
Here’s a short explanation on the difference between these web phrases that we’ve all heard before – by Central Coast Website Developers – Website Guy
The distinctions between HTTP, HTTPS and the use of “www” URLs play an integral role in web security, protocol standards and user experience. Here is an outline of each component:
HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol):
It serves as the foundation of data communication on the World Wide Web and specifies how messages should be formatted and transmitted between web servers and browsers. Unfortunately, however, due to lack of encryption protocols (HTTP is vulnerable to intercept by malicious actors and manipulation via connections with it), data sent over this protocol remains susceptible to interception by third-parties attempting to intercept it – although HTTP remains popular for non-sensitive transfers it’s increasingly being replaced by HTTPS as secure communications solutions (HTTPS provides secure connections).
HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure):
Incorporating SSL/TLS encryption provides HTTPS with an additional layer of protection from data eavesdropping and theft. Websites using HTTPS feature a padlock icon on their browser address bar as evidence that their connection is protected; search engines such as Google prioritize HTTPS websites in search rankings to enhance users’ browsing experiences and promote safer web surfing practices. Central Coast Website Developers – Website Guy use https for all the websites that they develop.
Subdomain “www”:
In website URLs, “www” traditionally denotes World Wide Web resources accessed via hostname. While using “www” can be helpful when accessing websites and resources on the World Wide Web, its inclusion isn’t mandatory – many function just fine using only their domain name (e.g. example.com). Individual preferences, branding considerations, technical configurations and technical considerations all play into whether “www” should appear; webmasters can set redirects so both versions resolve to the same website while keeping consistency and accessibility for their user-bases.
Summary of HTTPS in Brief In summary, HTTPS offers secure data transmission over the internet and protects user privacy while increasing trust in websites. While HTTP remains popular for non-sensitive communications, HTTPS has increasingly become the standard in terms of secure web browsing as encouraged by search engine algorithms and industry best practices. While inclusion of “www” may reflect historical conventions or branding choices in website naming practices; ultimately prioritizing HTTPS adoption through proper URL configuration can foster safer browsing experiences for all. Contact us for more information
