What is HTTP 424 Status Code (Failed Dependency)?

If you have ever encountered an HTTP 424 Status Code Error while browsing the web, you may have been left scratching your head and wondering what it means. Reliqus Consulting is here to help you understand this lesser-known HTTP status code.

This HTTP status code is less common than some others, so it’s understandable if you are not familiar with it. However, understanding the meaning behind this error can help you troubleshoot and resolve any issues you may be experiencing. 

In this blog post, we will dive into what the 424 Failed Dependency status code means and how to fix it. Let’s take a closer look at this error and its implications so you can get back to browsing without any interruptions.

What Does 424 HTTP Status Code Mean?

The HTTP 424 Failed Dependency status code is a specific type of client error indicating that a request on a web resource could not be executed because it was dependent on another action that, unfortunately, did not succeed.

It is less common in general web browsing and more frequently encountered in environments using WebDAV, an extension of the HTTP protocol that allows clients to perform remote web content authoring operations. 

A practical example of this error occurring is within the WebDAV protocol: if a PROPPATCH request is issued, and if one command does not execute correctly, it causes a domino effect, leading subsequent commands to fail similarly, resulting in the 424 Failed Dependency error.

Source: RFC4918 Section 11.4

HTTP 424 Status Code References

Rails HTTP Status Symbol failed_dependency

Symfony HTTP Status Constant Response::HTTP_FAILED_DEPENDENCY

Python HTTP Status Constant httplib.FAILED_DEPENDENCY

.NET HttpStatusCode.FailedDependency

Rust http::StatusCode::FAILED_DEPENDENCY

Go http.StatusFailedDependency

Python3.5+ http.HTTPStatus.FAILED_DEPENDENCY

Apache HttpComponents Core org.apache.hc.core5.http.HttpStatus.SC_FAILED_DEPENDENCY

Angular @angular/common/http/HttpStatusCode.FailedDependency

424 HTTP Status Code Example

The following is an example request and response for status code 424:

Request

GET /api/orders/123 HTTP/1.1

Host: example.com

Response

HTTP/1.1 424 Failed Dependency

Content-Type: application/json

Content-Length: 73

{

“error”: “Failed Dependency”,

“message”: “The requested resource depends on another resource that has failed.”

}

In this example, a client sends a request to a server, aiming to fetch details about an order identified by the ID 123. However, the server cannot process this request successfully because it is dependent on another resource, which has previously failed. 

Consequently, the server responds with a 424 Failed Dependency status code, accompanied by a JSON response that elaborates on the nature of the failed dependency, helping the client understand the reason behind the failure.

How to Use 424 HTTP Status Codes for a Website?

To effectively utilize the HTTP 424 Status Code on a website, web developers should integrate this status code within server-side logic. At Reliqus Consulting, we recommend programming the server to return a 424 Failed Dependency response in situations where an operation on a resource cannot be completed due to the failure of a prerequisite operation.

Utilizing languages such as JavaScript, Python, Ruby, PHP, Java, C#.Net, Perl, C++, Scala, and Kotlin, developers can set conditions under which the 424 status is triggered and communicated back to the client. 

What Causes an HTTP 424 Status Code?

Common scenarios that often result in a 424 Failed Dependency status code encompass a variety of situations where operations are interconnected or dependent on specific conditions.

These scenarios include:

1. Dependency on Previous Requests: A sequence of requests where the outcome of one is crucial for the execution of the next. Failure of an initial request leads to an HTTP 424 error for subsequent dependent requests.
2. Batch Operations: When multiple requests are processed together, and a failure occurs in one or more of these, it can cause a 424 status code for operations within the same batch that relies on the success of the failed requests.
3. Configuration or Setup Requirements: Operations that require specific conditions or setups to be in place beforehand. The lack of these prerequisites may be recognized as a failure, triggering a 424 response.
4. Data Dependencies: When an operation’s success hinges on specific data states, which might not be achieved due to earlier operation failures, resulting in a 424 Failed Dependency error.
5. Timing Issues: Rapid consecutive requests may result in a 424 error if the server has not processed earlier requests, causing dependency failures.
6. Authentication Issues: Inadequate authentication for accessing a required resource can lead to a 424 status code, reflecting a dependency on successful authentication.
7. Server Errors: Internal server issues, such as database connectivity problems or other server-side errors, can prevent the completion of a request, resulting in a 424 error.
8. Network Issues: Connectivity problems, either on the client or server side, may hinder request completion, leading to an HTTP 424 status code.

It’s worth noting that while the 424 Failed Dependency status code is primarily recognized under the WebDAV extension, its application extends beyond just WebDAV contexts.

Rest assured, the 424 Failed Dependency status code, while complex, can be effectively addressed. By pinpointing the issues related to the failed dependencies and resolving them prior to attempting the operation again, you can confidently overcome this error.

How to Troubleshoot a 424 HTTP Status Code?

Troubleshooting a 424 status code error requires a systematic approach to identify and resolve the underlying dependency issues. 

Here are the steps to effectively troubleshoot this error:

1. Examine Server Logs: Start by looking into the server logs, as they often provide the first clues. Patterns or specific entries related to the HTTP 424 status code error can highlight what went wrong.
2. Check Dependencies: Identify all dependent requests that need to be completed before the one that failed. This error implies that one or more dependencies were not met successfully.
3. Validate Request Sequencing: The order of requests is crucial. Ensure that requests are processed in the correct sequence, especially in environments using protocols like WebDAV that are sensitive to the order of operations.
4. Confirm Request Syntax: Incorrect request syntax can also lead to failed dependencies. Verify that the syntax of the problematic request is correct.
5. Test the Endpoint Independently: Isolating and testing the request or its dependencies independently can help determine if the issue lies within the request itself.
6. Analyze Multi-Status Responses: In cases with multiple operations, such as WebDAV PROPPATCH, scrutinize the multi-status response to identify which operation failed, leading to the error.
7. Update Server Configuration: Adjusting server configurations may be necessary if specific requests consistently fail, indicating a systemic issue with how those requests are handled.
8. Review and Modify Application Code: Check the application code for errors or configurations that might be causing dependency failures. Correcting these can resolve the error.
9. Engage with Dependency Services: If external services are involved, reaching out to these service providers can uncover solutions or workarounds.
10. Check for Network Issues: Ensure there are no network problems hindering communication between the client and server, such as issues with firewalls, proxies, or network configurations.
11. Contact the Server Administrator: When self-troubleshooting hits a dead end, the server administrator may offer further insights or direct assistance to resolve the problem.

Taking these steps can help pinpoint the cause of a 424 Failed Dependency error and guide you toward a suitable solution.

How HTTP 424 Failed Dependency Status Code Could Impact SEO?

We recognize the significant implications that a 424 HTTP Failed Dependency error code could have on your website’s SEO. Here are several critical ways this error might impact site performance:

Crawlability: 

Search engine bots, which are essential for indexing websites, might be unable to crawl pages returning an HTTP 424 status code. This failure to crawl can lead to pages not being indexed at all, significantly diminishing the site’s visibility in search engine results.

Additionally, a high volume of 424 errors could signal to search engines that the site has notable technical problems, possibly reducing the frequency at which the site is crawled.

Indexation: 

Given that indexing is contingent on a bot’s ability to crawl web pages, encountering a 424 Failed Dependency status code could render a page unindexable. The direct consequence is that these pages would be absent from search results, thereby reducing the overall discoverability and reach of your website.

User Experience: 

Although status codes are generally not visible to users, the repercussions of a 424 HTTP error—such as incomplete page loading or malfunctioning features—can degrade the user experience. This degradation may lead to higher bounce rates, which are known to negatively affect SEO rankings indirectly.

Site’s Rankings: 

Persistent HTTP 424 errors can erode a site’s SEO over time. Search engines prioritize user experience; hence, a site plagued by frequent 424 errors could be perceived as offering subpar user experiences. This perception can diminish the site’s credibility and reliability from a search engine’s viewpoint, potentially resulting in lower rankings.

Link Equity: 

Links from external sites to pages on your website that return a 424 error could result in lost link equity. This loss affects your site’s authority and could lead to diminished SEO rankings.

Detecting HTTP 424 Status Codes Error

Detecting 424 HTTP status codes is an essential step in troubleshooting and improving your website’s functionality and user experience. Here are effective methods and tools you can use:

1. HTTP Status Code Checkers: To check individual URLs, tools such as httpstatus.io or the Redirect Path extension for Chrome provide quick and easy access to the HTTP status codes for specific pages.
2. Webmaster Platforms: Platforms like Google Search Console offer insights into your site’s performance, including crawl errors. Pages returning a 424 status code will appear in the Crawl Errors report, allowing for timely corrections.
3. Server Logs: Reviewing server logs gives a detailed account of all requests made to your site and the HTTP status codes they return. This method offers a comprehensive overview, though it may require more technical knowledge to interpret the data effectively.
4. Browser Developer Tools: Modern browsers come equipped with developer tools that include a Network tab. This feature displays the status codes for all requests made by a webpage, providing insight into page-specific issues, including potential 424 errors.

What are the Related HTTP Response Headers with 424 HTTP Status Codes?

Several other client error response codes share thematic or functional similarities with the HTTP 424 status code. Here’s a look at some of these related HTTP response headers:

• 414 URI Too Long HTTP Status Code: This error occurs when the client sends a request with a URI (Uniform Resource Identifier) that is longer than the server is willing or able to interpret. The connection between this and the 424 Failed Dependency code lies in their classification as client error responses, pointing to issues that need addressing on the client side.

• 418 I’m a Teapot HTTP Status Code: Initially an April Fools’ joke, this status code indicates that the server refuses to brew coffee in a teapot. Despite its humorous origins, it serves to highlight the broad range of potential client error responses within the HTTP protocol. Both this and the 424 Failed Dependency code remind developers and clients alike of the intricate nature of web interactions and the variety of errors that can occur.

Conclusion

In navigating the complexities of HTTP status codes like the 424 Failed Dependency, it’s vital to approach troubleshooting with a comprehensive strategy. 

At Reliqus Consulting, we excel in diagnosing and resolving such intricate issues, ensuring that our client’s digital platforms operate smoothly and continue to engage and grow their user base.

If you’re experiencing persistent HTTP errors or need expert advice on enhancing your website’s performance, our team is ready to assist you. We provide in-depth analysis and proactive solutions tailored to your unique needs. 

Contact us today to see how we can help you optimize your website not only for better performance but also for improved SEO outcomes.

FAQs

What Does an HTTP 424 Status Code Mean in an API?

In an API, a 424 HTTP status code signifies that the current request could not be performed because it was dependent on a previous request that failed. This is common in scenarios where operations are interdependent, such as with WebDAV and specific HTTP extensions.

What Does the 424 Failed Dependency WebDAV RFC 4918 Mean?

The 424 Failed Dependency status code, as outlined in the Web Distributed Authoring and Versioning (WebDAV) protocol RFC 4918, indicates a failure to complete the current request because it depends on the success of a previous request.

How Can I Check for an HTTP 424 Status Code?

You can check for a 424 HTTP Status Code using your web browser’s network tab and developer tools, monitoring each resource request made by the client.

How is the 424 Error Code Related to Windows Update?

Error code 424 during a Windows Update usually signifies a runtime error, potentially caused by corrupt system files, incomplete software installations, or malware, impacting the Visual Basic program used in the update process.

Which HTTP Method is Associated with the 424 HTTP Status Code?

The PUT method is primarily associated with the HTTP 424 Status Code. This method is used to update or replace resources on the server.

Are all Browsers Compatible with the HTTP 424 Status Code?

Yes, the 424 HTTP Status Code is supported across all major browsers, including Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Internet Explorer, Opera, Safari, and Webview Android.