This guide explains the protocol that defines how Web browsers communicate with Web servers, the mechanisms that keep that communication secure, and techniques for accelerating HTTP. Topics include the structure and format of HTTP messages; security technologies such as SSL, TLS, and SHTTP; and how to handle compatibility between HTTP versions. Coverage extends to related technologies such as Proxy Auto Configuration (PAC), Web Proxy Auto Discovery (WPAD), Web Cache Coordination Protocol (WCCP), Internet Cache Protocol (ICP) and Hypertext Caching Protocol (HTCP). The CD-ROM contains the entire text in a searchable Adobe Acrobat file. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
The first complete reference guide to the essential Web protocol
As applications and services converge and Web technologies not only assume HTTP but require developers to manipulate it, it is becoming increasingly crucial for network managers, Web masters, and anyone working with HTTP to understand the nuts and bolts of this most prevalent Web protocol. This book provides complete documentation and explanation of the protocol, including advanced and experimental extensions. Readers will get core guidance on implementing HTTP 1.1 in their products, including how to accelerate HTTP in large scale Web sites, how to secure it, and how to handle compatibility issues with versions 0.9 and 1.0. HTTP switching and invisible HTTP operations such as option negotiations, status checks, and path tracing are also examined.
