HTTP 205 Reset Content vs 226 IM Used
Both HTTP 205 (Reset Content) and 226 (IM Used) belong to the 2xx Success category. 205 indicates that the server fulfilled the request and the client should reset the document view (e.g., clear a form). Meanwhile, 226 means that the server has fulfilled a GET request for the resource, and the response is a representation of the result of one or more instance-manipulations.
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.
Description
The server has fulfilled a GET request for the resource, and the response is a representation of the result of one or more instance-manipulations.
When You See It
When using delta encoding to reduce bandwidth.
How to Fix
Rarely encountered. The response uses Instance Manipulations (IM) as specified.
Key Differences
HTTP 205: The server fulfilled the request and the client should reset the document view (e.g., clear a form).
HTTP 226: The server has fulfilled a GET request for the resource, and the response is a representation of the result of one or more instance-manipulations.
You encounter 205 when after form submissions where the server wants the client to reset the form for new input.
You encounter 226 when when using delta encoding to reduce bandwidth.
When to Use Which
For 205 (Reset Content): The client should clear the form or reset the view. Rarely used in practice. For 226 (IM Used): Rarely encountered. The response uses Instance Manipulations (IM) as specified.