What is the primary function of HTTP?

The primary function of HTTP, which stands for Hypertext Transfer Protocol, is to facilitate communication between web browsers and servers. This protocol defines how messages are formatted and transmitted on the web and how web servers and browsers should respond to various commands. When a user accesses a website, the web browser sends an HTTP request to the server, which then responds with the appropriate data, allowing the web page to load.

This communication enables the transfer of not only HTML pages but also other content types, such as images, videos, and application data, making it essential for the functioning of the internet. The design of HTTP allows for a straightforward request-response mechanism that is crucial for the interaction between clients (browsers) and servers.

In contrast, storing data on web servers is a function of server-side storage technologies rather than a specific role of HTTP. While HTTP can be involved in the transfer of specific file types, it does not restrict its function to only text files, as it handles a wide array of content. Additionally, while securing internet connections is important, this is primarily dealt with through HTTPS (the secure version of HTTP) and other security protocols, rather than the fundamental purpose of HTTP itself.