Server HTTP Header: Syntax, Directive, Examples

The Server HTTP Header is a type of response header that contains information about the software that the server is using to process all requests. The Server HTTP Header contains only a few characteristics about the server, such as the server name and the software used to manage the server, such as sffe or Cloudflare. Hide all critical information, as it makes it easier for attackers to compromise the server software. There is only one value for using the Server HTTP Header. The value using the SourceMap HTTP Header is the product. An example of the Server HTTP Header is written below.  

Server: Apache/2.4.1 (Unix)

The Server HTTP Header Response Header is seen above. In the article, the Server HTTP Header Syntax, Directives, and Uses examples will be processed.

What is Server HTTP Header?

The Server HTTP Header provides information about the software that was used by the origin server that handled the request that is, the server that created the response in order to process the request.

What is the Syntax of Server HTTP Header?

The Server HTTP Header uses only one value in its syntax. The syntax for using the Server HTTP Header is written below.

Server: <product>

What is the Directive of Server HTTP Header?

The Server HTTP Header only contains one directive. The product specifies the software that was utilized by the server. An example directive for using the Server HTTP Header is given below. 

server: sffe

How to use Server HTTP Header?

Generally, the Server HTTP Header is a response-type header that carries information about the software that the server is using to handle all of the requests received by it. The Server HTTP Header will only contain a few facts about the server, such as the server name and software, such as sffe, Cloudflare, and so on. Keep all of the vital information hidden since attackers may find it easier to compromise the server software if all of the information is available.

Examples of Server HTTP Header Use

The following is an example of how to use the Server HTTP Header.

Cloudflare is the name of the software used by the server in this example.

server: cloudflare

In this case, the server name is Akamai Resource Optimizer, and the server-timing header is also displayed.

server: Akamai Resource Optimizer
server-timing: cdn-cache; desc=HIT
server-timing: edge; dur=1

What is the Specification Document for Server HTTP Header?

There is only one specification document for the Server HTTP Header, which is RFC 7321. RFC 7231 Section 7.4.2 discusses the Server HTTP Header and its applications. Additionally, the article discusses the Server HTTP Header’s definition and usage.

What is the type of Server HTTP Header?

The Server HTTP Header is a Response Header type because it contains additional information about the response, such as its location or the server that provided it.

What is the similar HTTP Header to the Server HTTP Header?

There is only one similar HTTP Header to the Server HTTP Header, which is the Allow HTTP Header. The Allow HTTP Header specifies the methods that a resource supports. If the server responds with a 405 Method Not Allowed status code, this header must be sent to indicate which request methods can be used. The Allow HTTP Header is a type of HTTP response, similar to the Server HTTP Header.

Which Browsers Support Server HTTP Header? 

There are multiple browsers that support Server HTTP Header. The following browsers are listed below.

  • Chrome Browser is compatible with the Server HTTP Header.
  • Edge Browser is compatible with the Server HTTP Header.
  • Firefox Browser is compatible with the Server HTTP Header.
  • Internet Explorer Browser is compatible with the Server HTTP Header.
  • Opera Browser is compatible with the Server HTTP Header.
  • Safari Browser is compatible with the Server HTTP Header.
  • WebView Android Browser is compatible with the Server HTTP Header.
  • Chrome Android Browser is compatible with the Server HTTP Header.
  • Firefox Android Browser is compatible with the Server HTTP Header.
  • Opera Android Browser is compatible with the Server HTTP Header.
  • Safari IOS Browser is compatible with the Server HTTP Header.
  • Samsung Internet Browser is compatible with the Server HTTP Header.

You can see an image that shows cross-browser compatibility of Server HTTP Headers below.

Server HTTP Header
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Server HTTP Header: Syntax, Directive, Examples

by Holistic SEO time to read: 3 min
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