HTTP 201 Created vs 303 See Other
HTTP 201 (Created) is a 2xx Success response, while 303 (See Other) 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, 303 means that the server is redirecting to a different resource using GET, typically after a POST operation (Post/Redirect/Get pattern).
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 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
201 is a 2xx Success response, while 303 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 303: The server is redirecting to a different resource using GET, typically after a POST operation (Post/Redirect/Get pattern).
You encounter 201 when after successfully creating a new user, post, order, or other resource via a REST API.
You encounter 303 when after form submissions to prevent resubmission on browser refresh.
When to Use Which
For 201 (Created): No fix needed. Check the Location header for the URL of the new resource. For 303 (See Other): Follow the Location header with a GET request. This is intentional — part of the PRG pattern.