404
- “what does error 404 mean”
- “why do I keep getting 404 not found”
- “the code for a page that doesn't exist”
- “is a 404 error my fault or the website's”
:: COMPARE ::
404 Not Foundvs410 Gone
The short answer
404 says 'not here' and promises nothing — it might be back tomorrow. 410 says 'this is gone, on purpose, and it isn't coming back.' The spec asks servers to prefer 410 when they know the removal is permanent, and 404 when they genuinely can't tell.
Side by side
| Aspect | 404 Not Found | 410 Gone |
|---|---|---|
| Permanence | Unknown — no promise | Likely permanent |
| Implies intent? | No | Yes — removed deliberately |
| Use it when | You can't tell | You know it's gone for good |
| Might return? | Maybe | Unlikely - spec says 'likely permanent' |
Which one you meant
Readers who land here meaning 404 rather than 410 Gone are usually searching for phrases like “what does error 404 mean”, “why do I keep getting 404 not found”, “the code for a page that doesn't exist”.
Read either one in full
Tell these apart too