404

404 is the code for Not Found.

Not Found

HTTP status code are three-digit status codes sent by a web server in response to a client’s URL request. These codes are part of the HTTP protocol and provide essential information about whether a request was successful, encountered an error, or requires additional action. They are categorized into five groups based on their first digit:

1xx (Informational): The request is received and is being processed.
2xx (Success): The request was successfully received, understood, and accepted.
3xx (Redirection): Further action is needed to complete the request, such as following a different URL.
4xx (Client Errors): The request was incorrect or cannot be fulfilled by the server, usually due to client issues.
5xx (Server Errors): The server failed to process a valid request due to an internal error.

View All HTTP Status Codes

Understanding the 404 HTTP Response Code

A 404 Not Found response code is one of the most well-known HTTP status codes. It indicates that the requested resource could not be found on the server. This typically happens when a user attempts to access a webpage or file that no longer exists, has moved without a redirect, or was never present at the URL.

Common Causes of a 404 Error

The URL was mistyped or contains a broken link.
The webpage has been deleted from the website.
The URL structure has changed, but proper redirects (e.g., 301 or 302 redirects) were not set up.
The server is misconfigured, preventing it from locating the requested file.

How to Handle a 404 Error

From a user’s perspective, encountering a 404 error means they should check the URL for mistakes or use the website’s navigation to find the correct page. From a website owner’s perspective, handling 404 errors effectively is crucial for user experience and SEO. Strategies include: