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HTTP Header

Accept

Request

Indicates which media types the client can understand in the response.

HTTP header reference, syntax, examples, and developer usage.

What is the Accept header?

The Accept HTTP header is used to transmit metadata between a client and server as part of HTTP requests or responses.

HTTP headers define how content should be interpreted, cached, authenticated, secured, or processed by browsers and APIs.

Direction

This is a request header sent by the client to the server.

Syntax

Accept: type/subtype

Example

Accept: application/json

Common use cases

  • Requesting JSON from an API
  • Content negotiation
  • Specifying preferred response format

Common mistakes

  • Using the header in the wrong request or response context
  • Sending invalid header values
  • Incorrect header syntax
  • Assuming the header automatically changes server behaviour

Related headers