What is a 404 error?

[ethanwalker]

I recently came across a 404 error while browsing a website and wasn’t sure what it meant. Can someone explain what causes it and how to prevent it?

 

[will jacks]

A 404 error is an error that states that the page you are accessing just does not exist or is not available on the server of a web site. This normally occurs when the page has been deleted, changed the position or the URL was inputted wrongly. To treat or avoid it, ensure that you correct or repair the broken links or replace them on your web site.

 

[jainnorton]

Error 404 shows a webpage that cannot be found on the server, generally due to the URL being wrong. The page is either moved or deleted.

 

[sophiadasy]

A 404 error occurs when the page that you are visiting is not located in the site. It normally appears when the page was either relocated, deleted or when the URL was keyed in wrongly. To avoid it, search again the link or in the search of the site to locate the content.

 

[ArthurMex]

Ah, the classic “404 Not Found.” Basically, it means that the document you are attempting to visit does not exist, either it is deleted or moved or broken the link is no longer there. Happens to all of us

 

[Emmawoods]

Exactly! Sometimes, it's because somebody mistyped the URL. I once spent ten minutes trying to 'fix' a site only to find that I had an additional slash in the address code... oops.

 

[AngelinaFi]

From a developer's side usually will happen when there is a change in the site structure and your old links aren't redirected correctly. Pro tip While moving pages, always use 301 redirects. How SEO saves users (and SEO rankings) from the 404 agonizing nightmare.

 

[natalia]

404 = Internet version of saying "Oops, wrong door, buddy!" " (Sources: Google Yoga Pants Advert)
Actually they should have an animation when it appears, and make it funny. Like a robot in a state of confusion or something.

 

[ethanwalker]

Haha true! Lots of websites do actually customize their 404 pages now. Makes it less of a scourge to work with and keeps users from leaving straight away. Anything from the inclusion of search boxes to relationships back to the homepage.