HTTP 302 Found vs 303 See Other
Both HTTP 302 (Found) and 303 (See Other) belong to the 3xx Redirection category. 302 indicates that the resource temporarily resides at a different URL. The client should continue using the original URL for future requests. Meanwhile, 303 means that the server is redirecting to a different resource using GET, typically after a POST operation (Post/Redirect/Get pattern).
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.
Description
The server is redirecting to a different resource using GET, typically after a POST operation (Post/Redirect/Get pattern).
When You See It
After form submissions to prevent resubmission on browser refresh.
How to Fix
Follow the Location header with a GET request. This is intentional — part of the PRG pattern.
Key Differences
HTTP 302: The resource temporarily resides at a different URL. The client should continue using the original URL for future requests.
HTTP 303: The server is redirecting to a different resource using GET, typically after a POST operation (Post/Redirect/Get pattern).
You encounter 302 when during A/B testing, temporary maintenance pages, or geo-based redirects.
You encounter 303 when after form submissions to prevent resubmission on browser refresh.
When to Use Which
For 302 (Found): Follow the Location header. Note: browsers may change POST to GET on redirect. For 303 (See Other): Follow the Location header with a GET request. This is intentional — part of the PRG pattern.