HTTP 205 Reset Content vs 406 Not Acceptable
HTTP 205 (Reset Content) is a 2xx Success response, while 406 (Not Acceptable) 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, 406 means that the server cannot produce a response matching the Accept headers sent by the client.
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 server cannot produce a response matching the Accept headers sent by the client.
When You See It
When requesting a content type the server doesn't support (e.g., Accept: application/xml when only JSON is available).
How to Fix
Adjust the Accept header to a format the server supports.
Key Differences
205 is a 2xx Success response, while 406 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 406: The server cannot produce a response matching the Accept headers sent by the client.
You encounter 205 when after form submissions where the server wants the client to reset the form for new input.
You encounter 406 when when requesting a content type the server doesn't support (e.g., Accept: application/xml when only JSON is available).
When to Use Which
For 205 (Reset Content): The client should clear the form or reset the view. Rarely used in practice. For 406 (Not Acceptable): Adjust the Accept header to a format the server supports.