A 404 Error: What's Going On?

a 404 error, short for "not found," occurs when a webpage or resource cannot be accessed due to an invalid URL or incorrect link.

• A 404 error can happen when a website changes its URL without updating the links that point to it.
• It's also possible for a 404 error to occur when a webpage is deleted or removed from the server.

Types of 404 Errors

There are several types of 404 errors, including:

• Resource not found (RNF): This occurs when a webpage or resource cannot be accessed due to an invalid URL.
• NOT FOUND (NFT): This type of error is similar to RNF, but it also indicates that the requested file was not found on the server.
• Directory not found (DNTF): This error occurs when a webpage or resource cannot be accessed due to an incorrect link or URL.

Best Practices for 404 Error Pages

When creating a 404 error page, it's essential to provide clear and concise information about what went wrong.

• Provide descriptive text: Include a brief description of the error that occurred.
• Include a link to the original resource: Provide a link to the intended location, if possible.
• Avoid using generic messages: Instead, use specific and accurate language to describe the error.