Description: X-Requested-With is an HTTP header commonly used to identify Ajax requests. This header allows servers to distinguish between normal requests and those generated by JavaScript, thus facilitating the implementation of specific responses for each type of request. The most common value assigned to this header is ‘XMLHttpRequest’, indicating that the request was made via an Ajax call. This is particularly useful in web applications where the goal is to enhance user experience by allowing dynamic content loading without the need to reload the entire page. Additionally, the use of this header can help prevent CSRF (Cross-Site Request Forgery) attacks, as servers can check for the presence of this header to validate the authenticity of the request. In summary, X-Requested-With is a key tool in modern web programming, enabling more efficient communication between client and server.
Uses: X-Requested-With is primarily used in web applications to identify Ajax requests and enhance user interaction. It allows developers to implement server responses based on the type of request, thus optimizing content loading and user experience. Additionally, it is used as a security measure to prevent CSRF attacks, as servers can check for the presence of this header to validate the authenticity of requests.
Examples: A practical example of using X-Requested-With is in web applications where Ajax requests are used to update content without reloading the page. When sending a request to perform an action, the X-Requested-With header is included with the value ‘XMLHttpRequest’, allowing the server to handle the request appropriately and respond with the necessary data to update the user interface. Another example can be found in applications using popular JavaScript libraries or frameworks, where this header is automatically set in Ajax requests.
