HTTP 201 Created vs 302 Found
HTTP 201 (Created) is a 2xx Success response, while 302 (Found) is a 3xx Redirection response. 201 indicates that the request succeeded and a new resource was created. Typically returned after POST or PUT requests that create a new entity. In contrast, 302 means that the resource temporarily resides at a different URL. The client should continue using the original URL for future requests.
Description
The request succeeded and a new resource was created. Typically returned after POST or PUT requests that create a new entity.
When You See It
After successfully creating a new user, post, order, or other resource via a REST API.
How to Fix
No fix needed. Check the Location header for the URL of the new resource.
Description
The resource temporarily resides at a different URL. The client should continue using the original URL for future requests.
When You See It
During A/B testing, temporary maintenance pages, or geo-based redirects.
How to Fix
Follow the Location header. Note: browsers may change POST to GET on redirect.
Key Differences
201 is a 2xx Success response, while 302 is a 3xx Redirection response.
HTTP 201: The request succeeded and a new resource was created. Typically returned after POST or PUT requests that create a new entity.
HTTP 302: The resource temporarily resides at a different URL. The client should continue using the original URL for future requests.
You encounter 201 when after successfully creating a new user, post, order, or other resource via a REST API.
You encounter 302 when during A/B testing, temporary maintenance pages, or geo-based redirects.
When to Use Which
For 201 (Created): No fix needed. Check the Location header for the URL of the new resource. For 302 (Found): Follow the Location header. Note: browsers may change POST to GET on redirect.