A 404 error is an HTTP status code that indicates that the server could not find the requested resource. This usually happens when a user tries to access a webpage that doesn’t exist or has been moved without an updated URL. It’s commonly displayed as a “404 Not Found” error.
Common causes of a 404 error:
- Broken or dead links: The URL points to a page that no longer exists.
- Mistyped URL: The URL entered in the browser could be incorrect.
- Deleted or moved content: The page has been deleted or relocated without a redirect in place.
How to resolve a 404 error:
- For users: Double-check the URL for errors or try searching the website.
- For website owners: Set up 301 redirects for moved content or restore the missing page to avoid the 404.
404 errors are a standard part of web browsing, and they help indicate when content is missing or unavailable. A unhandled 404 error is a common SEO mistake that should be avoided.