Using telnet under windows to test HTTP

Question

I'm learning http, and trying to use telnet to send my own http requests.

In the command prompt, I entered:

telnet google.com 80

Result: The screen is cleared and I see a blinking cursor. 1. Why don't I see any indication that I'm connected?

Now, trying to type an http command (get index.html...) I see the cursor moving to the right as I type, but I don't see the letters appear on the screen. Only blanks. 2. Why is that?

(Using windows7 64 bit)

Answer 1

Why don't I see any indication that I'm connected?

The blinking cursor on a blank screen is the indication you are connected. Otherwise, you'll get an error describing why you couldn't connect.

I see the cursor moving to the right as I type, but I don't see the letters appear on the screen.

Use localecho.

an http command (get index.html...)

That is not a valid HTTP request, you should at least type something like this, followed by two Enters:

GET / HTTP/1.1
Host: google.com

Look at the RFC on how to construct an HTTP request and see some samples.