302

Found

Here's some key information about the 302 Found status code:

• Purpose: It is primarily used for temporary redirections and allows websites to point users or search engine bots to an alternative location without changing the original URL in bookmarks or search results. When receiving a 302 response, the client (web browser) typically redirects automatically to the new URL provided in the "Location" header field of the response.
• Temporary redirect: The main characteristic of this response is that it signifies temporary relocation rather than permanent movement of resources. The original URL may still be valid in the future, so clients should continue using it for subsequent requests.
• SEO implications: Search engine crawlers treat temporary redirects differently than permanent ones (301 and 308 redirect). With a 302 redirect, search engines continue indexing both URLs separately instead of consolidating them into one indexed page. Be aware also that if there are more than 5 hops (each redirect in the chain is referred to as a “hop.”) in a chain, Googlebot will not land on the destination URL.
• User experience: Users may not notice any significant difference if their web browser handles redirects seamlessly. However, repeated use of temporary redirects can lead to slower browsing experiences due to additional round trips between server and client.
• Caching behavior: A 302 redirect response should never be cached. When a browser receives a 302 redirect response, it typically follows the redirection automatically without explicitly storing or caching the intermediate response. It is after all "temporary".
• Latency: The client/browser must continue to send the request to the original URL. 302 redirects therefore have higher latency because they still have to send the request to the original URL and then redirect to the new location each time.
• Similar status codes:
  • 301 Moved Permanently: This status code implies a permanent redirect, where the original URL is no longer valid, and clients should use the new URL for all future requests.
  • 307 Temporary Redirect: Similar to 302 Found but explicitly instructs clients to preserve the original request method (GET/POST) when following the redirection.
  • 308 Permanent Redirect: Similar to 301 Move Permanently but explicitly instructs clients to preserve the original request method (GET/POST) when following the redirection.
• Best practices:
  • Use appropriate caching directives with caution.
  • Avoid excessive usage of temporary redirects if possible.
  • Ensure proper handling and testing across various browsers and devices.
  • Specify accurate "Location" header values pointing to valid URLs.

Overall, the 302 Found status allow websites to handle situations where resources need temporary relocation without affecting long-term SEO considerations or permanently altering URLs seen by users or search engines.