HTTP

HTTP 308 Permanent Redirect vs 413 Content Too Large

HTTP 308 (Permanent Redirect) is a 3xx Redirection response, while 413 (Content Too Large) is a 4xx Client Error response. 308 indicates that the resource has been permanently moved. Like 301, but guarantees the HTTP method will NOT be changed. In contrast, 413 means that the request payload exceeds the server's size limit.

Description

The resource has been permanently moved. Like 301, but guarantees the HTTP method will NOT be changed.

When You See It

For permanent URL changes where POST requests must remain POST.

How to Fix

Update all references to the new URL. The HTTP method is preserved.

Description

The request payload exceeds the server's size limit.

When You See It

When uploading files that exceed the server's maximum upload size.

How to Fix

Reduce the payload size. Check server limits (Nginx: client_max_body_size, Apache: LimitRequestBody).

Key Differences

1.

308 is a 3xx Redirection response, while 413 is a 4xx Client Error response.

2.

HTTP 308: The resource has been permanently moved. Like 301, but guarantees the HTTP method will NOT be changed.

3.

HTTP 413: The request payload exceeds the server's size limit.

4.

You encounter 308 when for permanent URL changes where POST requests must remain POST.

5.

You encounter 413 when when uploading files that exceed the server's maximum upload size.

When to Use Which

For 308 (Permanent Redirect): Update all references to the new URL. The HTTP method is preserved. For 413 (Content Too Large): Reduce the payload size. Check server limits (Nginx: client_max_body_size, Apache: LimitRequestBody).

Learn More