A 410 Gone (sometimes referred to as the “410 Error”) is an HTTP status code that a server sends to indicate that a requested resource is no longer available and will not be coming back. Unlike other error codes, such as 404 Not Found, a 410 Gone response is a permanent signal that the resource has been intentionally removed and will not be restored in the future. This status code is often used to inform clients, such as search engines, that the resource should be removed from their indexes or caches, as it is no longer relevant or accessible.
A 410 Gone is an HTTP status code that a server sends to indicate that a requested resource is no longer available and will not be coming back. Unlike other error codes, such as 404 Not Found, a 410 Gone response is a permanent signal that the resource has been intentionally removed and will not be restored in the future.
Key Features of 410 Gone:
- Permanent Removal: The resource is gone permanently, and the server does not expect it to return.
- Clear Signal: It tells both users and search engines that the page or resource has been intentionally deleted.
- HTTP Status Code: It is part of the standard HTTP response codes used by web servers.
How Does 410 Gone Work?
When a user or a search engine tries to access a webpage, the server checks if the resource exists. If the resource has been permanently removed, the server responds with a 410 status code. This informs the browser or search engine that the page is no longer available and should not be requested again.
Why Is 410 Gone Important?
- For Users: It provides a clear message that the content they are looking for has been removed permanently, helping them avoid repeatedly trying to access it.
- For Search Engines: It signals that the page should be removed from search engine indexes, which helps keep search results up-to-date and relevant.
- For Website Owners: It helps manage website content by clearly indicating which pages are no longer needed, improving site maintenance and user experience.
When to Use 410 Gone
A 410 Gone status should be used in specific situations, such as:
- Content Deletion: When a page or resource is intentionally removed and will not be restored.
- Outdated Content: When old or irrelevant content is no longer needed on the website.
- SEO Cleanup: When you want to ensure search engines stop indexing a page that no longer exists.
Difference Between 410 Gone and 404 Not Found
- 410 Gone: Indicates that the resource is permanently removed and will not return.
- 404 Not Found: Indicates that the resource is not available at the moment, but it might return in the future.
Summary
- Definition: A 410 Gone is an HTTP status code that indicates a resource has been permanently removed and will not be restored.
- Purpose: To inform users and search engines that the content is gone permanently.
- Use Cases: Deleting outdated or irrelevant content, managing website maintenance, and improving SEO.