HTTP 101 Switching Protocols vs 300 Multiple Choices
HTTP 101 (Switching Protocols) is a 1xx Informational response, while 300 (Multiple Choices) is a 3xx Redirection response. 101 indicates that the server understands the Upgrade header field request and indicates which protocol it is switching to. In contrast, 300 means that the request has more than one possible response. The client should choose one of them.
Description
The server understands the Upgrade header field request and indicates which protocol it is switching to.
When You See It
When upgrading from HTTP/1.1 to WebSocket, or to HTTP/2.
How to Fix
This is normal behavior during protocol upgrades. Ensure your client supports the target protocol.
Description
The request has more than one possible response. The client should choose one of them.
When You See It
When a resource is available in multiple formats (e.g., different languages or media types).
How to Fix
Select the appropriate resource variant. Send an Accept header with your preferred content type.
Key Differences
101 is a 1xx Informational response, while 300 is a 3xx Redirection response.
HTTP 101: The server understands the Upgrade header field request and indicates which protocol it is switching to.
HTTP 300: The request has more than one possible response. The client should choose one of them.
You encounter 101 when when upgrading from HTTP/1.1 to WebSocket, or to HTTP/2.
You encounter 300 when when a resource is available in multiple formats (e.g., different languages or media types).
When to Use Which
For 101 (Switching Protocols): This is normal behavior during protocol upgrades. Ensure your client supports the target protocol. For 300 (Multiple Choices): Select the appropriate resource variant. Send an Accept header with your preferred content type.