Guide
Inspect a web request
A browser's network tools let you inspect the requests made while a page loads or an action runs.
At a glance
- Prerequisite
- A browser with developer tools
- Outcome
- A request and response inspected together
Overview
A browser's network tools let you inspect the requests made while a page loads or an action runs. This workflow helps separate problems in a request, the server response, and the interface that consumes it, using one reproducible action as the starting point.
1. Capture one action
Open the browser's developer tools and select the network panel. Clear earlier entries, then perform the action you are investigating so that the relevant request is easier to identify.
2. Read the exchange
Select the request and inspect its URL, method, status, and timing. Compare request headers or payload with response headers and content; a success status does not prove the returned data has the expected shape.
3. Verify the finding
Repeat the action and check whether the same result occurs. Record the exact failing condition and relevant response details, excluding credentials or private payloads from anything you share.
Sources and review
MOOR's explanatory text is supported by the following source links.
- Network Monitor — Mozilla
- HTTP messages — MDN Web Docs