What is HTTP Response Status Code 303 See Other?
HTTP response status code 303 See Other indicates that the client should retrieve the resource using a GET request at the URL provided in the Location header.
When is HTTP Response Status Code 303 See Other Used?
The 303 status code is used to redirect a client to a different resource after a POST request or other non-GET requests, allowing the server to direct the client to a different page.
Significance of HTTP Response Status Code 303 See Other in Web Development?
The 303 status code is useful for guiding clients to view a different resource, such as a confirmation page after form submission, improving user experience and application flow.
How to Implement HTTP Response Status Code 303 See Other?
To implement the 303 status code, configure the server to return this code after a non-GET request and include the new URL in the Location header.
FAQs
- When should I use a 303 status code? Use it to redirect after a POST request to guide clients to a different resource.
- Does 303 preserve the original request method? No, it changes the request method to GET for the new location.
- Is 303 commonly used with REST APIs? Yes, it can be used to redirect clients to a status page or resource URL.
A few examples
Example 1: Redirecting After Form Submission to a Status Page
# Client sends a POST request to submit a form. POST /submit-form HTTP/1.1 Host: www.example.com Content-Type: application/x-www-form-urlencoded name=John&[email protected] # Server Response HTTP/1.1 303 See Other Date: Wed, 09 Oct 2024 12:40:00 GMT Server: Apache/2.4.41 (Ubuntu) Location: https://www.example.com/status # The server redirects the client to a status page using a GET request. # This informs the client to use a GET request to access the new location.
Example 2: Redirecting to a Download Page After Processing
# Client sends a POST request to start processing a file.
POST /process-file HTTP/1.1
Host: www.example.com
Content-Type: application/json
{
"file_id": "12345"
}
# Server Response
HTTP/1.1 303 See Other
Date: Wed, 09 Oct 2024 12:45:00 GMT
Server: Nginx/1.18.0
Location: https://www.example.com/download/12345
# The server redirects the client to a download page using a GET request after processing.
# The client should use a GET request to retrieve the resource at the new location.
In these examples, the 303 See Other status code is used to redirect the client to a different URL with a GET request, regardless of the original request method:
Example 1 shows a form submission where the server redirects the user to a status page to check the submission’s status.
Example 2 demonstrates a redirection after a POST request to process a file, directing the client to a download page for the processed file.
The Location header specifies the new URL where the client should make a GET request to retrieve the desired resource.
