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Technical SEO

HTTP status code

Plain-English definition

A three-digit response that reports the outcome of an HTTP request.

In Plain English

A three-digit response that reports the outcome of an HTTP request.

Metaphor

Like a control-room lamp reporting whether a delivery succeeded, moved, went missing or failed.

Practical Example

A page returning 404 reports that the requested resource was not found.

Why it matters

This signal helps people, browsers and search systems interpret what happened. Check it alongside the related signals rather than in isolation.