FrontendHaltNetworking·Intermediate·Conceptual·1 min read
What's the difference between a 401 and a 403 response?
Short interview answer
401 means the request lacks valid authentication — the server doesn't know who you are. 403 means the server does know who you are but has determined you're not authorized to perform that specific action on that resource.
Key takeaway
Explain the underlying mental model clearly, then support it with a concrete example and its trade-offs.