[thelist] http_referer accuracy

Seth Bienek seth at sethbienek.com
Mon Oct 1 11:22:40 CDT 2001


Hi Joshua,

> I know that I cannot rely of the cgi variable http_referer being sent by
> every browser, but in those cases where it is sent, can I count 
> on it being
> accurate?

The referer header is generally reliable, but can easily be spoofed.  If someone is following a link from an email, it can be blank, or even point to a temp file on their hard drive.  Same with bookmarks.

As far as browsers and referring links go, though, it is pretty consistently available and accurrate.

Regards,

Seth






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