What is the purpose of HTTP?

The purpose of HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) is to enable communication between a web browser and a server. This protocol governs how messages are formatted and transmitted, allowing users to request and receive web pages from servers. When you enter a URL in a web browser, the browser uses HTTP to send a request to the web server that hosts the content. The server then responds by sending the requested data back to the browser, typically in the form of HTML documents, which the browser then renders for display.

This communication is essential for the functioning of the web, as it facilitates the retrieval of web pages, images, and other resources, making the interaction seamless and efficient. While transferring files and displaying images are part of what HTTP enables, they do not encompass the broader scope of its function which is fundamentally about facilitating dialogue between clients (browsers) and servers. Hence, the correct identification of HTTP's purpose centers on its role in communication.