HTTP 3xx Redirects

Redirects or path changes in the HTTP protocol are among the very common tools used by web developers for managing and directing user traffic. The 3xx status indicates a series of HTTP status codes that signal that the user's request must be redirected to a different URL. These codes are usually reported by the client's web browser or software, indicating that to complete the request, it must reference another address.

For example, when you have a domain that is no longer active or has been moved to another address, the browser can be directed to this code to lead it to a different server until your desired page is displayed. Various different codes of the 3xx status exist, each of which performs a specific function.

The most common 3xx status code is code 301 (Moved Permanently), which indicates a permanent transfer of a page to another address. This type of redirect has a direct impact on SEO because search engines like Google track this change and can influence search ranking accordingly.

On the other hand, code 302 (Found), which has recently been updated to 303 and 307 as well, indicates a temporary transfer. It means the source referenced in the request may revert back to the original address again. This type of redirect has less impact on SEO and is mostly used in special temporary circumstances.

Code 304 (Not Modified) is a specific type of the 3xx status that informs the user that the requested resource has not been modified since the last time the user's application received it. This code helps reduce bandwidth usage and speeds up page loading times.

Therefore, choosing the appropriate type of redirect based on the site's needs and its implications for users and search engines is very important.

<!-- Example of a 301 Redirect in .htaccess -->
Redirect 301 /old-page.html /new-page.html