What is HyperText Transfer Protocol (HTTP) primarily used for?

HyperText Transfer Protocol (HTTP) is primarily utilized for transmitting web pages over the Internet. It serves as the foundation for data communication on the World Wide Web, enabling web browsers and servers to communicate and exchange information. When a user enters a URL into a web browser, HTTP is the protocol that dictates how requests are made to servers for web pages and how those servers respond with the requested content, such as HTML documents, images, and other resources.

This protocol operates on a request-response model where the client (web browser) sends an HTTP request to the server, and in turn, the server responds with the requested content. The effectiveness and speed of HTTP are crucial for delivering seamless user experiences on websites.

In contrast, other options relate to different functions: secure file transfer typically involves protocols like HTTPS or FTP, assigning IP addresses pertains to protocols like DHCP, and receiving emails is managed using protocols like POP3 or IMAP. Each of these functions serves a distinct purpose within the broader framework of Internet communication, but HTTP's primary role remains focused on the transmission of web pages.