HTTP 204 No Content vs 205 Reset Content
Both HTTP 204 (No Content) and 205 (Reset Content) belong to the 2xx Success category. 204 indicates that the server successfully processed the request but is not returning any content. Common for DELETE operations and form submissions that don't need a response body. Meanwhile, 205 means that the server fulfilled the request and the client should reset the document view (e.g., clear a form).
Description
The server successfully processed the request but is not returning any content. Common for DELETE operations and form submissions that don't need a response body.
When You See It
After DELETE requests, PUT updates where no body is needed, or CORS preflight responses.
How to Fix
No fix needed. The action was successful; there is simply no content to return.
Description
The server fulfilled the request and the client should reset the document view (e.g., clear a form).
When You See It
After form submissions where the server wants the client to reset the form for new input.
How to Fix
The client should clear the form or reset the view. Rarely used in practice.
Key Differences
HTTP 204: The server successfully processed the request but is not returning any content. Common for DELETE operations and form submissions that don't need a response body.
HTTP 205: The server fulfilled the request and the client should reset the document view (e.g., clear a form).
You encounter 204 when after DELETE requests, PUT updates where no body is needed, or CORS preflight responses.
You encounter 205 when after form submissions where the server wants the client to reset the form for new input.
When to Use Which
For 204 (No Content): No fix needed. The action was successful; there is simply no content to return. For 205 (Reset Content): The client should clear the form or reset the view. Rarely used in practice.