205 Reset Content

What is HTTP 205 Reset Content?

205 Reset Content

Success! The request was completed, and the client should reset the document view.

1. Explain Like I’m 3

   ELI3

   Like when you erase your drawing to start over!

    

2. Explain Like I’m 5

   ELI5

   Imagine you’re playing with a drawing app, and after you save your picture, the app clears the screen so you can start a new drawing. That’s what 205 means - everything worked, and now it’s time to start fresh!

    

3. Jr. Developer

   Here me out…

   The 205 Reset Content response means “All good! Now clear your form or reset your view!” This is perfect after successful form submissions when you want the user to enter new data. Unlike 204, which just says “no content”, 205 explicitly tells the client to reset their view.

    

4. Crash Course

   Write this down…

   The 205 Reset Content status code indicates that the server has fulfilled the request and desires that the client reset the document view. This is useful after a PUT or POST when you want the user to be able to easily start another input action. Unlike 204 No Content, this response requires the client to reset the document view.

    

5. Deep Dive

   Everything and more…

   The 205 Reset Content status code represents a specific user interface pattern in HTTP applications. Implementation requires careful consideration of client-side state management, form handling, and user experience. The response must not include a message body, as specified in RFC 7231. Client behavior is specifically defined - they must reset the document view as if it were freshly loaded. This impacts form state, scroll position, and potentially client-side storage. Security implications exist despite the lack of content, requiring proper authentication and authorization. The 205 status code enables specific UI patterns while requiring thoughtful implementation to maintain usability.

 

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