what is the use of https?

I am a beginner in HTTPS technology :(. I have some doubt regarding the HTTPS implementation.

suppose I have a registration form

http://www.sitename.com/register.php

if I want to use this in HTTPS this will become

https://www.sitename.com/register.php

What does this means? How to implement a HTTPS from scratch? how do i get certificate??

Thanks in advance!!

Solution

HTTPS stands for HTTP Secure. It is implemented via serving HTTP over a secure connection. Take a look at HTTP Secure on Wikipedia for a much more in depth explanation.

Setting up HTTPS isn't a matter of merely changing the URL. You'll have to add a SSL certificate to your website to do that. These certificates can be obtained from Certificate Authorities (List of CAs) or you can use a self signed certificate.

Speaking to your doubts of the HTTPS implementation. It is a well established protocol which has gone through its paces by security experts with Ph.D's on the subject. So you can trust the implementation of HTTPS.

Flat Mountain has a good article for Setting up SSL Certificates on Apache*

*_{assuming you're running your php through apache server}