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Let’s all talk about HTTP error code 410.

As far as I can tell, it’s the forgotten stepchild of error 404 (Resource not found). Error 410 means Resource gone, as in, a resource used to exist at this location, but now it’s gone. Not only is it gone, but I don’t know (or I don’t want to tell you) where it went. If I knew where it went, and I wanted to tell you, I would use error 301 (Permanent redirect) and any smart client would simply redirect to the new address. But 410 means Resource gone, no forwarding address. Train gone sorry.

Now, there is not a lot of information about error 410. Sure, you can search for http error 410 on Google and come up with lots of hits, but they’re all just pages that list all the error codes and give a brief description of each. No docs, no further explanation. I suppose because it addresses a condition that doesn’t come up very often. Also, we’ve all been brainwashed into believing that all resources should be permanent, which simply isn’t true.

Embracing HTTP error code 410 means embracing the impermanence of all things.

NASA Says:

ERROR 410: DISCONTINUED

The requested site is no longer available at www.grc.nasa.gov. This change is permanent. Please remove any links or bookmarks to this Web address.