205 Reset Content

HTTP response status code 205 Reset Content is returned by the server to instruct the client to reset the document view. A document in this context can be an HTML form, for example. This HTTP response is similar to 204 No Content status code, in that no message body is included.

Usage

When the 205 Reset Content status code is received, it means that the server wants the client to clear all of the content on the current form. In the case of a fillable form, this can be the result of pressing a “Clear" button instead of “Save".

Alternatively, a server may opt to send the 204 No Content status code. This indicates exactly the same result, also including no message body, but not specifically asking the client to reset the form.

Example

In the example, the client posts XML data to the server. The server acknowledges that the data was received and processed, and as a result, the entry form is instructed to be cleared. The client might at this point allow for subsequent entries on the same page, leading to new POST HTTP requests.

Request

POST /signup HTTP/1.1
Host: www.example.re
Content-Type: application/xml
Content-Length: 70
<?xml version="1.0">
<person>
  <name>David Smith</name>
  <country>USA</country>
</person>

Response

HTTP/1.1 205 Reset Content

Code references

.NET

HttpStatusCode.ResetContent

Rust

http::StatusCode::RESET_CONTENT

Rails

:reset_content

Go

http.StatusResetContent

Symfony

Response::HTTP_RESET_CONTENT

Python3.5+

http.HTTPStatus.RESET_CONTENT

Java

java.net.HttpURLConnection.HTTP_RESET

Apache HttpComponents Core

org.apache.hc.core5.http.HttpStatus.SC_RESET_CONTENT

Angular

@angular/common/http/HttpStatusCode.ResetContent

Takeaway

HTTP response 205 Reset Content status code indicates that a HTTP request has been successfully completed and that the client’s document view is to be cleared, as if to prepare for new data entry.

See also

Last updated: August 2, 2023