Why HTTP is not a simple protocol

In Daniel Haxx's blog post from August 2025, he explores the complexity of the HTTP protocol. While HTTP may seem straightforward on the surface, Haxx argues that it is actually quite intricate. He discusses the necessity of understanding various aspects of HTTP, including headers, methods, and the differences between HTTP/1.1, HTTP/2, and HTTP/3. Furthermore, he points out that many implementation issues arise from a lack of comprehension regarding subtleties that can lead to errors and inconsistencies in applications. As web technologies continue to evolve, the article emphasizes the importance of keeping one’s knowledge and skills about HTTP up to date, which is vital for developers and network engineers alike. Haxx concludes by summarizing key points and encourages further exploration of the topic to gain a deeper understanding.