Tech: Why do you see '404 Not Found' on the internet? What does it mean and how can you fix it?
When searching the internet, encountering a "404 Not Found" error means that the webpage you are trying to access does not exist on the server. This is an HTTP status code and is considered a client-side error.
Error Code 404 Not Found: The 404 Not Found error code is frequently encountered while browsing the internet. Many users get frustrated seeing this error, wondering what went wrong.
When we type a URL in the browser, the browser sends a request to the server. If the server has a page with that name or location, it loads the page. However, if the file does not exist, it sends back a "Not Found" message with a 404 code.
Essentially, this message is an HTTP Status Code from the web server. It means that the webpage file requested by the user does not exist on the server or the server cannot find it.
The 404 error is known as a client-side error. This means the problem is often on the user's end. For example, it occurs due to typing the wrong URL or the page being removed, not because the server is down. The most common causes of a 404 error are URL typing mistakes, page deletion or movement, broken links, or website redesigns.
Sometimes, webmasters don't set up proper redirects for traffic coming to old links; in such cases, clicking on the old link results in a 404 error. Therefore, this error is very common on the internet for old, expired, or incorrect addresses.
When a 404 error appears, you can investigate the problem using a few simple methods. First, check if the URL is typed correctly. Try going to the website's homepage and searching for the page there. Clearing your browser's cache or cookies might also help. If the link is very old, the page may have actually been removed.
According to developers and website owners, handling 404 errors is crucial. Many websites create their own custom 404 pages, where they can provide messages, search boxes, or other links to redirect users to the correct page. This prevents users from leaving the site and allows them to access the main content again.