Term: "500 Internal Server Error"
Definition
In web communication, "500 Internal Server Error" is an HTTP status code returned by a web server to indicate that it encountered an unexpected condition that prevented it from fulfilling the client's request. This error is typically a generic response when no more specific message is suitable. The causes of this error can vary widely, including issues with server configurations, programming errors in server-side scripts, database connection problems, or insufficient server resources. Unlike client-side errors, such as "404 Not Found," which indicate issues with the requested resource, the "500 Internal Server Error" signifies a problem with the server itself. Website administrators typically investigate logs and server configurations to diagnose and resolve these errors to restore normal server functionality. This status code is part of the HTTP protocol and is used to inform clients about server-side errors that prevent the successful completion of their requests.