HTTP/2 is a protocol designed for improving web performance and is one of the strategies implemented through this protocol, header compression in HTTP is. In fact, using HPACK, which is a method of header compression, the data sent and received can be smaller, which helps increase the speed of loading web pages.
Header compression in HTTP/2 means that information that repeatedly appears in requests and responses can be sent more efficiently. This process reduces the bandwidth consumption and also decreases the time required for data transfer. In header compression HTTP/2, a dynamic table is used to store previously requested header fields and to be used for subsequent requests.
One of the features of HPACK is that it allows application developers to understand better which headers can be compressed and which might not be secure. For example, anything that potentially changes between requests is a part that is more likely to be less compressible. This allows applications to make better decisions in this regard.
In reality, the process of header compression and header compression optimization can be performed where, initially, data is compressed by the sender and a compressed version is added to the header compression table, and then the compressed data is used for header compression and returns to its original shape. This method is not only trusted from a security standpoint, but also in resource usage for servers and users.
Utilizing these techniques and standards, alongside other features of HTTP/2 such as multiplexing and server push, results in creating a fast, secure, and functional website that today's users seek. Now let’s take a look at the coding structure which can provide examples of header compression operations in HTTP/2.
HTTP/2 HPACK
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|-- Dynamic Table
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|-- Header Field Representation
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| |-- Indexing
| |-- Huffman Encoding
|-- Contexts
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| |-- Encoder Context
| |-- Decoder Context
HTTP/2 HPACK: Refers to header compression in HTTP/2.Dynamic Table: A table used to store the current values of headers during HTTP/2 communication.Header Field Representation: The way header fields are presented in the header compression process.Indexing: The process of using indexes to reduce the amount of data necessary for transmission.Huffman Encoding: A method of encoding used to reduce the size of data.Contexts: Encompasses two sections for managing the header compression process.Encoder Context: A coding environment for compressing the data.Decoder Context: A decoding environment for decompressing the data.