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HTTP Status Code
201 Created
SuccessThe request succeeded and a new resource was created on the server.
HTTP status code reference, response example, common causes, fixes, and related status codes.
What does HTTP 201 Created mean?
HTTP 201 Created is a status code sent by a server to indicate the result of an HTTP request.
Status codes help browsers, APIs, apps, and backend systems understand whether a request succeeded, failed, was redirected, or needs additional action.
In practice, HTTP 201 Created usually appears when a server responds under specific request, validation, permission, or infrastructure conditions.
Response example
HTTP/1.1 201 Created Location: /api/users/123
HTTP example
HTTP/1.1 201 Created
Relevant headers
Location
Location: /api/users/123
Common causes
- New database record created
- Resource created through POST request
- API endpoint successfully created an item
Common mistakes
- Assuming the status code alone explains the full backend issue
- Ignoring related response headers that add important context
- Treating temporary errors as permanent failures
- Retrying too aggressively without checking the cause
- Debugging the frontend only when the problem is server-side
How browsers and APIs use it
Browsers, APIs, and backend services use HTTP status codes to understand the outcome of a request. Depending on the status code, an application may render content, retry a request, redirect the user, show an error, or trigger a different flow in the client or server.
Developer note
Use 201 when your API creates a new resource. Returning a Location header is a good practice when the new resource has its own URL.
Client-side example
const response = await fetch("/api/users", {
method: "POST",
headers: { "Content-Type": "application/json" },
body: JSON.stringify({ name: "Chris" }),
});
if (response.status === 201) {
console.log("User created");
}