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I am getting into HTTP protocol specifics and I would like to see/understand the calls my browser makes as it is being used. I use Firebug (with Firefox) to look at/debug AJAX interactions, etc, but don't see the full HTTP conversation.

Is there something similar for viewing HTTP commands issued by a browser?

Kara
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Stick it to THE MAN
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  • Learning about and understanding protocols, especially through real-world inspection, is very much a programming topic. **Voting to re-open** – Adam Davis Dec 18 '09 at 17:40

6 Answers6

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Fiddler is pretty good for looking at the HTTP level, and wireshark will let you look at whats going on at the TCP level.

i_am_jorf
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  • Fiddler (unless I'm mistaken), only workd for *cough* IE browsers. I tend to use FF predominantly for my webdev, also I found Fiddler a bit 'Fiddly' - i.e. not easy to use die to too much information. – Stick it to THE MAN Dec 16 '09 at 17:54
  • Fiddler is a proxy, so it works with any browser that supports proxies, including Firefox, Opera, etc. But it is Windows-only. – Annie Dec 16 '09 at 17:57
  • @Stick it to THE MAN - actually, you are mistaken. The latest version of Fiddler includes the FiddlerHook add-on for Firefox. – Chris Shouts Dec 16 '09 at 17:58
  • wireshack looks impressive, but its probably too much (info) for me at this (beginners) stage – Stick it to THE MAN Dec 16 '09 at 18:09
  • Fiddler 2 has Firefox support and even integrates into the status bar. – i_am_jorf Dec 17 '09 at 07:30
  • voted up for Etehreal ... errm, WireShark .. sooner or later everyone needs it for something (and it can do it) Also, check out the various FireFox web designer plugins – Mawg says reinstate Monica Jan 07 '10 at 13:53
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HttpFox or the venerable LiveHttpHeaders

Nick Dixon
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5

Yes, you can monitor your connection with Wireshark.

Carl Smotricz
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  • +1 because Wireshark is actually quite easy to use and you are guaranteed that it won't change, add, or remove any headers. – innaM Dec 18 '09 at 19:08
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I use Tamper Data, a Firefox add-on, to see HTTP requests and responses, and to manipulate them.

Agos
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1

You can see all the HTTP requests your browser makes for a page (not just AJAX) with the Firebug net panel. Or you can switch to a proxy tool like Fiddler or Charles to see all the http requests made by the browser. If you need more detail, Microsoft VRTA is a free tool that makes netmon data easier to read, and doesn't depend on a proxy.

Annie
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1

Proxy from Burp Suite lets you see/modify HTTP requests/responses.

niteria
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