301 and 302 redirects in Rest API - Cheat Sheet & Quick Revision

Recall & Review

beginner

What is a 301 redirect?

A 301 redirect is a permanent redirect from one URL to another. It tells browsers and search engines that the page has moved permanently.

beginner

What does a 302 redirect mean?

A 302 redirect is a temporary redirect. It tells browsers and search engines that the page has moved temporarily and may return to the original URL.

intermediate

When should you use a 301 redirect instead of a 302 redirect?

Use a 301 redirect when you want to permanently move a page and transfer SEO value. Use 302 if the move is temporary and you want to keep the original URL indexed.

intermediate

How do browsers handle 301 and 302 redirects differently?

Browsers cache 301 redirects because they are permanent, so they remember the new URL. 302 redirects are not cached as strongly because they are temporary.

beginner

What HTTP header is used to specify the new URL in a redirect?

The 'Location' header is used in the HTTP response to tell the browser the new URL to redirect to.

Which HTTP status code indicates a permanent redirect?

A 301

B 302

C 404

D 500

301 means permanent redirect, while 302 means temporary redirect.

What does a 302 redirect tell search engines?

A The page has moved temporarily

B The server has an error

C The page is not found

D The page has moved permanently

302 means the page is temporarily moved, so search engines keep the original URL indexed.

Which HTTP header contains the new URL in a redirect response?

A Content-Type

B Location

C Authorization

D Accept

The Location header tells the browser where to go next.

If you want to permanently move a page and keep SEO value, which redirect should you use?

A 302

B 404

C 301

D 200

301 is a permanent redirect and passes SEO value to the new URL.

How do browsers treat 301 redirects compared to 302 redirects?

A Do not cache either

B Cache 302 redirects, but not 301 redirects

C Cache both equally

D Cache 301 redirects, but not 302 redirects

Browsers cache 301 redirects because they are permanent, but treat 302 redirects as temporary and do not cache them strongly.

Explain the difference between a 301 and a 302 redirect and when to use each.

Think about whether the page move is permanent or temporary.

Describe how browsers handle caching for 301 and 302 redirects.

Consider the permanence of the redirect.