HTTP 202 Accepted vs 303 See Other
HTTP 202 (Accepted) is a 2xx Success response, while 303 (See Other) is a 3xx Redirection response. 202 indicates that the request has been accepted for processing, but the processing has not been completed. The request might or might not eventually be acted upon. In contrast, 303 means that the server is redirecting to a different resource using GET, typically after a POST operation (Post/Redirect/Get pattern).
Description
The request has been accepted for processing, but the processing has not been completed. The request might or might not eventually be acted upon.
When You See It
For async operations like batch jobs, email sending, or background tasks that take time to complete.
How to Fix
Poll the provided status URL or wait for a callback/webhook.
Description
The server is redirecting to a different resource using GET, typically after a POST operation (Post/Redirect/Get pattern).
When You See It
After form submissions to prevent resubmission on browser refresh.
How to Fix
Follow the Location header with a GET request. This is intentional — part of the PRG pattern.
Key Differences
202 is a 2xx Success response, while 303 is a 3xx Redirection response.
HTTP 202: The request has been accepted for processing, but the processing has not been completed. The request might or might not eventually be acted upon.
HTTP 303: The server is redirecting to a different resource using GET, typically after a POST operation (Post/Redirect/Get pattern).
You encounter 202 when for async operations like batch jobs, email sending, or background tasks that take time to complete.
You encounter 303 when after form submissions to prevent resubmission on browser refresh.
When to Use Which
For 202 (Accepted): Poll the provided status URL or wait for a callback/webhook. For 303 (See Other): Follow the Location header with a GET request. This is intentional — part of the PRG pattern.