HTTP 205 Reset Content vs 401 Unauthorized
HTTP 205 (Reset Content) is a 2xx Success response, while 401 (Unauthorized) is a 4xx Client Error response. 205 indicates that the server fulfilled the request and the client should reset the document view (e.g., clear a form). In contrast, 401 means that the request requires user authentication. The response includes a WWW-Authenticate header indicating the authentication scheme.
Description
The server fulfilled the request and the client should reset the document view (e.g., clear a form).
When You See It
After form submissions where the server wants the client to reset the form for new input.
How to Fix
The client should clear the form or reset the view. Rarely used in practice.
Description
The request requires user authentication. The response includes a WWW-Authenticate header indicating the authentication scheme.
When You See It
When accessing a protected resource without credentials or with expired tokens.
How to Fix
Include valid authentication credentials (API key, Bearer token, Basic auth) in the Authorization header.
Key Differences
205 is a 2xx Success response, while 401 is a 4xx Client Error response.
HTTP 205: The server fulfilled the request and the client should reset the document view (e.g., clear a form).
HTTP 401: The request requires user authentication. The response includes a WWW-Authenticate header indicating the authentication scheme.
You encounter 205 when after form submissions where the server wants the client to reset the form for new input.
You encounter 401 when when accessing a protected resource without credentials or with expired tokens.
When to Use Which
For 205 (Reset Content): The client should clear the form or reset the view. Rarely used in practice. For 401 (Unauthorized): Include valid authentication credentials (API key, Bearer token, Basic auth) in the Authorization header.