What does HTTP stand for?

HTTP stands for Hypertext Transfer Protocol. It is the foundational protocol used for transmitting data over the web. This protocol defines how messages are formatted and transmitted and how web servers and browsers should respond to various commands.

In detail, "hypertext" refers to the text displayed on a computer or other device that contains links to other texts, and "transfer protocol" describes the rules governing how this information is communicated between the web server and the client (typically a web browser). Because HTTP underlies the vast majority of data exchange on the Internet, it enables the functionality of websites, allowing users to retrieve documents, access multimedia, and interact with web applications.

The other options listed do not accurately represent the standard terminology used in web communications. They either misstate the components of the protocol or use terms that are not standard in the context of internet technology, which emphasizes the importance of understanding the correct terminology and its implications in web development and internet protocols.