What type of technology does HTTP provide to web pages?

HTTP, or HyperText Transfer Protocol, plays a crucial role in managing how data is transferred over the web, specifically between web servers and clients (such as web browsers). It defines the rules and conventions for requesting and delivering web pages and other resources. The main function of HTTP is to format and control data transmission, ensuring that when a user requests a web page, the server knows how to send that content correctly and how the browser should interpret it.

The protocol dictates how messages are formatted and transmitted, as well as how servers and browsers should respond to various commands. For example, when a user enters a URL into their browser, HTTP governs how this request is made, how the server interprets it, and how the data is sent back to the user's device. This ensures a standardized way to access and display web content across different platforms and devices.

While other options touch upon important aspects of technology, they do not address the specific purpose of HTTP in facilitating web communication. Data storage, file compression, and cloud computing represent different areas of technology that serve other functions, such as managing data or enhancing performance, but they do not directly relate to the primary role of HTTP in delivering web content over the internet.