HTTP vs WWW: Website URLs Explained
Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) and World Wide Web (WWW) are two acronyms widely used online. Both concepts have an impact on your day-to-day browsing activities, as they’re an inherent part of all website URLs. This information is not well understood by the majority of internet users.
HTTP and WWW were created in the late 1980s by Sir Tim Berners-Lee, a British computer scientist. His World Wide Web project involved HTTP and WWW working alongside one another.
What is HTTP?
HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) is the foundation of data communication on the web. It allows browsers and servers to exchange information, enabling users to access websites. However, HTTP websites lack encryption, making them less secure and vulnerable to cyber threats. This is why many websites now use HTTPS, which adds encryption for better security and user trust. If you’re browsing or managing a website, choosing HTTPS over HTTP is the safer option.
What is HTTPS?
HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure) is a secure version of HTTP that encrypts data exchanged between a website and its visitors. This encryption protects sensitive information, such as passwords and payment details, from hackers. Google prioritizes HTTPS websites in search rankings, making them more SEO-friendly and trustworthy. If you run a website, switching to HTTPS improves security, boosts user confidence, and enhances your online visibility.
What is WWW
The World Wide Web (WWW) is a system of interlinked web pages and resources that can be accessed through the internet using a web browser. It allows users to browse websites, access information, and interact with content online. The WWW operates through URLs, hyperlinks, and web technologies like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. It was invented in 1989 and has since changed how people communicate, shop, and learn online.
HTTP vs WWW
HTTP is a system that enables data transfer between a web browser and a website’s server, allowing users to access online content. On the other hand, WWW (World Wide Web) is a collection of web pages and resources that operate over the internet. While HTTP is a communication protocol, WWW is a part of the internet that uses HTTP to function. A website URL may include both, such as https://www.example.com, or just one, like https://example.com.
Modern websites often omit WWW in URLs because it’s not required for functionality, but HTTP or HTTPS is essential for website security and performance. HTTPS is the secure version of HTTP, encrypting data to protect users. While HTTP vs WWW may seem confusing, they serve different purposes—HTTP manages data transfer, while WWW is a naming convention for websites. Understanding this distinction helps improve website security, SEO, and user experience.
HTTP vs WWW in URLs
Within the URL parameters, it’s possible to remove HTTP or WWW from your domain registrar, but, the situations in which you would remove one of these elements depends on a few different factors.
WWW is a prefix used to indicate that a website is using HTTP to communicate. In fact, you can mix and match prefixes, for example http://example.com or www.example.com.
So, what if you do choose to use http://example.com as your website URL, but users type in WWW where it isn’t necessary? In the majority of cases, the user will be automatically redirected to your non-WWW domain. This means you can set up a non-WWW URL address without worry.
Why you should use an HTTPS URL
Using an HTTPS URL is essential for website security and trust. HTTPS encrypts data, protecting sensitive information like passwords and payment details from hackers. Google prioritizes HTTPS websites in search rankings, which can improve SEO and increase website traffic.
Visitors are more likely to trust a secure website, reducing bounce rates and boosting conversions. Additionally, modern browsers display a “Not Secure” warning for HTTP sites, which can discourage users from visiting. Switching to HTTPS enhances security, builds credibility, and improves overall website performance.
Do You Need WWW in URLs?
It’s actually not necessary to use WWW in URLs. WWW exists for one purpose and that’s to identify the web address. This is not the case with other important URL signifiers, such as a File Transfer Protocol (FTP) server (ftp) or news server (news). As such, WWW may be classified as a subdomain of a larger website.
In most cases, WWW serves no technical purpose. You can create a custom domain without its presence, and the website will still operate as any website should.
So, why is WWW used so frequently? The use of WWW has been around since the creation of the internet, and its widespread use as a subdomain was largely accidental.
The first web server was nxoc01.cern.ch. When publishing the website, the creators fully intended for info.cern.ch to be their home page, and WWW, as such, was excluded. The Domain Name System (DNS) records for the server were never switched, and the use of WWW became a standard practice.
As mentioned, it is possible to create a custom domain name without WWW included. Though, there are some considerations to keep in mind.
Domain or Web Address without WWW
In the majority of cases, a user will not have to type WWW to view your web address or domain. If you’ve implemented WWW to identify different subdomains, it’s important to understand your site is configured to provide the appropriate redirects to users.
For some websites, the addition of the WWW in www.example.com may cause a redirect to example.com. For others, it may be two separate pages on the same domain. Your web hosting provider should be able to help you set up to ensure the correct redirects are in place.
WWW and non-WWW for SEO
If you run a website, Search Engine Optimization (SEO) should be a high priority. By having a good SEO strategy in place, you can help your site rank highly on Search Engine Results Pages (SERPs), and drive more traffic as a result.
Ultimately, whether you use a WWW or non-WWW domain name has no bearing on your SEO. What does matter, however, is that you choose to stick with one or the other (and not mix both elements).
For SEO purposes, you want to use one URL (either WWW or non-WWW) consistently throughout the website. This means all URLs attached to your domain should have the same designation.
Doing this will ensure your website rankings aren’t split across two different domains (e.g. www.example.com and example.com) but rather applied to your canonical domain only.
To see a step-by-step example of how to go live with a Domain when using hosting for WordPress sites with WP Engine, we’ve put together this resource: Go Live with a Domain on WP Engine.
Is an HTTP website bad
An HTTP website lacks encryption, making it less secure than an HTTPS site. Without HTTPS, data exchanged between users and the website is vulnerable to hackers, increasing the risk of stolen personal information. Search engines like Google prioritize HTTPS websites for better security and user trust, meaning an HTTP website may rank lower in search results. If you’re running a website, switching to HTTPS can improve security, SEO, and credibility.
Why you should use an HTTPS URL structure
Switching from HTTP to HTTPS can significantly impact your SEO scores and search rankings. Google prioritizes HTTPS websites, meaning secure sites are more likely to rank higher than non-secure HTTP sites. HTTPS also improves user trust and reduces bounce rates since modern browsers warn users when a site is “Not Secure.”
HTTPS is required for faster website performance with modern technologies like HTTP/2, which can improve page load speed—a key SEO factor. If your website handles sensitive data, Google may penalize HTTP sites for security risks. To boost SEO, user experience, and security, switching to HTTPS is a must.
Perfect your URL structure with WP Engine
There’s no doubt that the more technical aspects of web hosting can be daunting. That’s why you should choose a hosting provider with the knowledge, expertise, and technology to assist you.
WP Engine is a WordPress-focused host that can help you to create a fast, reliable, and secure website. To learn more about WP Engine and its many offerings, check out our managed hosting plans!
