HTTP 205 Reset Content vs 404 Not Found
HTTP 205 (Reset Content) is a 2xx Success response, while 404 (Not Found) is a 4xx Client Error response. 205 indicates that the server fulfilled the request and the client should reset the document view (e.g., clear a form). In contrast, 404 means that the server cannot find the requested resource. The URL may be wrong, the resource may have been deleted, or it may never have existed.
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 cannot find the requested resource. The URL may be wrong, the resource may have been deleted, or it may never have existed.
When You See It
When a URL is mistyped, a page has been deleted, or an API endpoint doesn't exist.
How to Fix
Verify the URL is correct. Check for typos, case sensitivity, and trailing slashes.
Key Differences
205 is a 2xx Success response, while 404 is a 4xx Client Error response.
HTTP 205: The server fulfilled the request and the client should reset the document view (e.g., clear a form).
HTTP 404: The server cannot find the requested resource. The URL may be wrong, the resource may have been deleted, or it may never have existed.
You encounter 205 when after form submissions where the server wants the client to reset the form for new input.
You encounter 404 when when a URL is mistyped, a page has been deleted, or an API endpoint doesn't exist.
When to Use Which
For 205 (Reset Content): The client should clear the form or reset the view. Rarely used in practice. For 404 (Not Found): Verify the URL is correct. Check for typos, case sensitivity, and trailing slashes.