HTTP Status Code 103
Status code 103, also known as Early Hints, is an informative message used in HTTP/2 communication. It's a way for a server to give the browser a heads-up about what to expect in the final response, even before the server has finished processing everything.
Think of it like this: you ask a friend a question, and while they're formulating their answer, they tell you they'll need some references from their bookshelf. This gives you a chance to grab the bookshelf while you wait, saving some time overall.
In the HTTP world, this translates to the server letting the browser know what resources (like images or scripts) it will likely need to load the webpage. With this information, the browser can start fetching those resources in advance, making the entire page load faster for the user.
Here are some key things to know about status code 103:
- Improves perceived performance: By preloading resources, the browser can render the page more quickly, giving users the impression of a faster load time.
- Uses Link headers: The server typically sends hints about resources using Link headers within the 103 message.
- Not always definitive: The server can change its mind between the 103 message and the final response, so browsers shouldn't rely solely on the hints.
Overall, status code 103 is a behind-the-scenes optimization technique that helps websites load smoother and provide a better user experience.
Other 1xx Status Codes
