How outdated is “HTTP: The Definitive Guide”? [closed]

Question

I’m considering buying HTTP: The Definitive Guide with the goal of properly understanding HTTP and related technologies. I’m wondering if—13 years after its publication—the book is still worth buying.

To help me make a decision, I’m looking for input on two questions:

1. What important changes have happened in the world of HTTP that the book doesn’t cover? (For bonus points: what resources are recommended reading to catch up?)

2. Are any of the sections not relevant anymore at all?

Check the book’s table of contents to get an idea of what’s covered.

Edit: This book isn’t about web fronted technologies. Obviously, there have been dramatic changes in that area since 2002. Please answer with respect to HTTP. Thanks.

Answer 1

HTTP 1.1 has been around since the late 90s. The information should still be very relevant.

http://www.w3.org/Protocols/History.html

HTTP 2.0 is starting to gain momentum. It has been majorly revised and is a binary protocol now. But there are probably not many books written about it at this time.