What function does the HyperText Transfer Protocol (HTTP) serve?

The HyperText Transfer Protocol (HTTP) primarily functions to facilitate the transmission of web pages across the internet. It operates as the foundation of data communication for the World Wide Web, allowing browsers to request web pages from servers, and enabling servers to send these pages back to the client (usually a user's web browser).

When a user inputs a URL or clicks on a link, the browser sends an HTTP request to the web server hosting the desired content, which then responds with the appropriate HTML pages. This process allows users to view websites, interact with content, and navigate from one page to another seamlessly. HTTP is specifically designed for this purpose, governing how messages are formatted and transmitted.

Understanding this function is crucial because it illustrates the role of HTTP in the web experience, laying the groundwork for various web-based applications and services. While other protocols and methods handle different aspects of internet functionality, HTTP's unique purpose is centered on web page delivery and interaction.