HTTP 204 No Content vs 303 See Other
HTTP 204 (No Content) is a 2xx Success response, while 303 (See Other) is a 3xx Redirection response. 204 indicates that the server successfully processed the request but is not returning any content. Common for DELETE operations and form submissions that don't need a response body. 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 server successfully processed the request but is not returning any content. Common for DELETE operations and form submissions that don't need a response body.
When You See It
After DELETE requests, PUT updates where no body is needed, or CORS preflight responses.
How to Fix
No fix needed. The action was successful; there is simply no content to return.
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
204 is a 2xx Success response, while 303 is a 3xx Redirection response.
HTTP 204: The server successfully processed the request but is not returning any content. Common for DELETE operations and form submissions that don't need a response body.
HTTP 303: The server is redirecting to a different resource using GET, typically after a POST operation (Post/Redirect/Get pattern).
You encounter 204 when after DELETE requests, PUT updates where no body is needed, or CORS preflight responses.
You encounter 303 when after form submissions to prevent resubmission on browser refresh.
When to Use Which
For 204 (No Content): No fix needed. The action was successful; there is simply no content to return. For 303 (See Other): Follow the Location header with a GET request. This is intentional — part of the PRG pattern.