Quick answer

A web protocol is an agreed set of rules for communication. In a URL, the scheme at the start indicates which protocol or access method software should use, such as HTTP or HTTPS.

Original example

A simplified web request

A browser reads https: at the start of a URL, establishes the appropriate protected connection, sends an HTTP request, and interprets the response. Real networking includes more steps, but both sides must follow compatible rules.

Why shared rules matter

Protocols define message formats, ordering, and expected behavior so independently built software can communicate.

A URL scheme and a protocol are closely related terms but not universally identical. For everyday HTTP URLs, http: and https: tell the browser which form of web communication to use.

Common misunderstandings

  • The word protocol does not refer to one single internet technology.
  • Seeing https: does not prove that every statement on a website is trustworthy.

Related answers

Sources

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