HTTP status code

The HTTP 303 status code stands for "See Other". It is a redirection response indicating that the client should request a different URL using a GET request, regardless of the original request method.

When is HTTP 303 Used?

• Used when a request, such as a POST, PUT, or DELETE, is successfully processed, but the client should retrieve the result from another URL using GET.
• Often used in form submissions to prevent duplicate submissions when refreshing the page.
• Helps separate processing requests from result pages.

Example Scenarios

• Form Submission Handling – A user submits a form via POST and is redirected to a confirmation page.
• Asynchronous Processing – A request is received, and the client is redirected to a status page.
• Preventing Duplicate Actions – Ensures that reloading the page doesn’t resubmit a form.

Example

Client Request (Submitting a Form via POST)

  
    POST /submit-form HTTP/1.1
    Host: example.com
  

Server Response (Redirecting to Confirmation Page)

  
    HTTP/1.1 303 See Other
    Location: https://example.com/confirmation
  

Client Automatically Requests Confirmation Page (Using GET)

  
    GET /confirmation HTTP/1.1
    Host: example.com
  

Summary

HTTP 303 means the request was processed successfully, and the client should fetch the result using a GET request at a different URL. It is commonly used for form submissions, preventing duplicate actions, and redirecting after POST requests.