What is http multipart request?

http-headers multipart
MegaManX picture MegaManX · Jun 6, 2013 · Viewed 312.1k times · Source

I have been writing iPhone applications for some time now, sending data to server, receiving data (via HTTP protocol), without thinking too much about it. Mostly I am theoretically familiar with process, but the part I am not so familiar is HTTP multipart request. I know its basic structure, but the core of it eludes me.

It seems that whenever I am sending something different than plain text (like photos, music), I have to use a multipart request. Can someone briefly explain to me why it is used and what are its advantages?

If I use it, why is it better way to send photos that way?

Answer

Iggy picture Iggy · Oct 31, 2013

A HTTP multipart request is a HTTP request that HTTP clients construct to send files and data over to a HTTP Server. It is commonly used by browsers and HTTP clients to upload files to the server.

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