RE: HTTP headers - control from HTML?

by "Guy M. Fisher" <guyfisher(at)email.com>

Date:	Mon, 8 Oct 2001 15:04:26 -0400
To:	<hwg-techniques(at)mail.hwg.org>
In-Reply-To:
	todo: View Thread, Original

>> If anyone can point me towards material which gives me a greater
understanding of the relationship between HTML and what is in the HTTP
headers, I'd appreciate it. <<

I think what you're after is the <http-equiv> attribute of the <META>
element.

According to the Dictionary of HTML META Tags: "META tags with an
HTTP-EQUIV attribute are equivalent to HTTP headers. Typically, they
control the action of browsers, and may be used to refine the information
provided by the actual headers. Tags using this form should have an
equivalent effect when specified as an HTTP header, and in some servers may
be translated to actual HTTP headers automatically or by a pre-processing
tool."

For example, the Pragma HTTP header could be added to a Web page by adding
the following <META> tag to its <HEAD> element:

	<META http-equiv="Pragma" content="no-cache">

For more information, check out the Dictionary of HTML META Tags:
http://andrew.triumf.ca/VW/META/

>> Is there a small utility that will let me look at the complete HTTP
headers and body exactly as they are sent and received? <<

Try entering a URL into UKOLN's HTTP-info Service online form:
http://www.ukoln.ac.uk/web-focus/webwatch/services/http-info/

Better yet, you can check the headers of any Web page you're browsing by
using the HTTP-info bookmarklet. Add it to your browser from UKOLN's
WebWatch Services page:
http://www.ukoln.ac.uk/web-focus/webwatch/services/


Guy M. Fisher

Cleveland, Ohio
guyfisher(at)email.com

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