HTTP Status Code 404, commonly referred to as “404 Not Found,” is a response code from a web server indicating that the requested resource could not be found. This code is part of the HTTP response status codes, which are used to convey the result of a client’s request to a web server.
HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) Status Code 404 is a client-side error code. When a client (such as a browser) sends a request to a server for a specific resource (e.g., a webpage, image, or document), the server checks if the requested resource is available. If the server cannot find the requested resource or the URL is incorrect, it responds with the 404 status code.
This error does not imply a server issue; instead, it indicates that the resource either:
Several scenarios can lead to a 404 Not Found error:
The presence of 404 errors can significantly affect a website’s performance and user satisfaction:
Visitors encountering a 404 error may perceive the site as unreliable, leading to reduced trust and potential loss of traffic.
Search engines like Google penalize websites with frequent 404 errors, which can reduce rankings. Broken links are particularly problematic as they disrupt crawler navigation.
If critical pages or resources return 404 errors, it can prevent users from accessing important content or services.
Effectively managing 404 errors ensures that user experience and website performance remain unaffected:
Providing clear messaging on 404 pages can guide users back to functional areas of the site.
Redirecting broken URLs ensures that search engines can index important pages and maintain your site’s visibility.
Tracking 404 errors can help web administrators identify and fix recurring issues.
Instead of displaying a generic error message, create an engaging and informative 404 page with helpful links, a search bar, or suggestions for related content.
Use HTTP 301 or 302 redirects to direct users to updated or alternative resources when URLs change.
Regularly check server logs to identify frequent 404 errors and address them promptly.
Use tools to identify and fix broken links across your website.
Provide clear instructions on 404 pages, encouraging users to check the URL or report the missing resource.
Some websites turn their 404 pages into creative experiences:
HTTP Status Code 404, commonly referred to as “404 Not Found,” indicates that the server could not find the requested resource. It is a client-side error and often occurs when the URL is incorrect, the page has been moved, or the resource has been deleted.
A 404 error can occur due to several reasons, including mistyped URLs, deleted or moved web pages, broken links, or incorrect DNS settings.
To fix a 404 error, you can check and correct the URL, refresh the page, use the website’s search function, or contact the site administrator. Website owners can use tools like Google Search Console to find and address broken links.
Frequent 404 errors can negatively impact user experience and SEO rankings. Search engines may lower the visibility of a site with many broken links. Fixing these issues can improve site health and usability.
Websites often use custom 404 pages that provide helpful information, navigation links, or search functionality to guide users back to the intended content or other parts of the website.
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