What does HTTP stand for?

HTTP stands for Hypertext Transfer Protocol. This is the foundational protocol used for transmitting data across the web. It allows browsers to communicate with web servers and facilitates the transfer of hypertext documents, such as HTML, as well as other resources like images and videos.

The term "hypertext" refers to the way that documents are linked together via hyperlinks, allowing for a non-linear method of navigation. The word "transfer" accurately reflects the protocol's primary function of moving data from one point to another over the internet.

Understanding HTTP is crucial because it's at the heart of web communication and is the basis for how resources are fetched from servers, making it integral to the functioning of the World Wide Web. This is why the correct naming of the protocol emphasizes both "hypertext" and "transfer," rather than alternative or incorrect variations that might misrepresent its purpose or function.