What does a 301 HTTP response signify?

A 301 HTTP response signifies "Moved Permanently," which indicates that the requested resource has been permanently moved to a new URL. When a client receives a 301 response, it should use the new URL provided in the response to access the resource moving forward. This status code is particularly important in web development and SEO, as it informs search engines and browsers to update their records to point to the new location of the resource.

This response serves both the client and the server well by ensuring a smooth transition to the new URL without losing traffic or search engine rankings associated with the old URL. Clients that are aware of the status code will automatically redirect to the new location without requiring any additional action from the user, enhancing user experience and maintaining functionality.