HTTP Header Parser
Paste raw HTTP headers and parse them into a readable table with explanations for each header.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are HTTP headers?
HTTP headers are key-value pairs sent between a client and server as part of an HTTP request or response. They carry metadata such as content type, authentication credentials, caching directives, and security policies.
How do I view HTTP headers?
You can view HTTP headers using browser developer tools (Network tab), cURL with the -v or -I flags, or by using tools like this parser. In Chrome, open DevTools → Network → click a request → Headers tab.
What are security headers and why do they matter?
Security headers like Content-Security-Policy, Strict-Transport-Security, X-Frame-Options, and X-Content-Type-Options help protect websites against common attacks such as XSS, clickjacking, and MIME sniffing. Missing security headers can leave your site vulnerable.
What is the difference between request and response headers?
Request headers are sent by the client (browser) to the server and include information like the accepted content types, cookies, and authentication. Response headers are sent by the server back to the client and include cache directives, content type, and security policies.
Can HTTP headers contain sensitive information?
Yes, headers like Authorization, Cookie, and Set-Cookie often contain sensitive data such as tokens and session IDs. Always use HTTPS to encrypt header contents in transit, and be careful about logging headers on the server side.