HTTP Client-Server Samples
Overview
This section provides sample code demonstrating how to implement HTTP clients and servers on the Windows platform. These samples are designed to help developers understand and utilize the Windows networking APIs for building robust and efficient network applications.
We cover various aspects, from basic request/response handling to more advanced features like asynchronous operations, secure connections (HTTPS), and custom header management.
Featured Samples
- Basic HTTP Client - A simple client to send GET requests to a specified URL.
- Basic HTTP Server - A rudimentary server that listens for requests and sends a basic response.
- Asynchronous HTTP Client - Demonstrates non-blocking HTTP requests for improved responsiveness.
- HTTPS Client with SSL/TLS - How to establish secure connections using SSL/TLS.
- Handling Custom Headers - Samples for sending and receiving custom HTTP headers.
Basic HTTP Client
This sample showcases a straightforward implementation of an HTTP client using the WinHTTP API. It demonstrates how to create a session, open a connection to a server, send a request, and process the response.
Key Features:
- Sending GET and POST requests.
- Retrieving response headers and content.
- Error handling for network operations.
Basic HTTP Server
Implement a simple HTTP server that listens on a specified port, accepts incoming connections, and responds to client requests. This sample uses raw socket programming or a higher-level API to handle HTTP protocols.
Key Features:
- Listening on a configurable port.
- Parsing basic HTTP requests.
- Sending standard HTTP responses (e.g., 200 OK, 404 Not Found).
Asynchronous HTTP Client
Explore the benefits of asynchronous operations for network I/O. This sample demonstrates how to perform HTTP requests without blocking the main thread, leading to more responsive applications.
Key Concepts:
- Using Overlapped I/O.
- Callback mechanisms for handling completion.
- Improving application performance.
HTTPS Client with SSL/TLS
Learn how to establish secure communication channels using HTTPS. This sample covers the necessary steps for clients to connect to servers over SSL/TLS, ensuring data privacy and integrity.
Topics Covered:
- SSL/TLS handshake process.
- Certificate validation.
- Encrypting and decrypting data.
Handling Custom Headers
This sample focuses on the flexibility of HTTP by allowing the addition and interpretation of custom headers. Useful for passing application-specific metadata between client and server.
Techniques:
- Adding custom request headers.
- Reading and processing custom response headers.
- Common use cases for custom headers.