method semantics: retrieval/representation

[julian.reschke@…]

See <​http://www.w3.org/mid/CACHXnaqH-pEpKpRyjji2wRprOm53Zaxc3tY=w+CbPVW=q=zi0Q@mail.gmail.com>:

• clarify that GET is *the* retrieval method

• be careful with "retrieving resource" vs "retrieving a representation of a resource"

(or maybe introduce a shorthand to simplify the prose?)

[julian.reschke@…]

See also <​http://lists.w3.org/Archives/Public/www-tag/2012May/0096.html> and <​http://www.w3.org/mid/CAGnGFMKeHW2bPr5WL-HXD=rAJvwp+HMYu5FeCccjypNxWV-48g@mail.gmail.com>

[masinter@…]

"If the response status code is 200 or 203 and the request method was GET, the response payload is a representation of the target resource"

this statement establishes the framework for clients and servers speaking the HTTP protocol this is part of an overall framework:

• if you're writing a client and send a GET and get back a 200 or 203, you should expect the response to be a representation of the target resource

• if you're writing a server and get a GET, you should try to return a representation of the target resource with a 200 or 203

communication will happen if the client and server agree on what they think the target resources and how to interpret the representation that is transmitted

Some people read "is" to be to strong.

Change 'is' to 'should be'? since implicitly "when things go well" or expand this sentence.

[fielding@…]

From [2088]:

(editorial) Clarify that GET means retrieval; addresses #315

[fielding@…]

From [2112]:

(editorial) the final answer on representation; addresses #315

[fielding@…]

The communication via HTTP indicates what is intended by the sender, not necessarily what is intended by the minter of a URI or the controller of a resource or the author of a link. When they differ, it might indicate an error in implementation, an error in representation, or an incorrect or outdated assumption about the target resource. It is not our responsibility to decide which of the various potential causes of inconsistency is the most authoritative.