Forward vs Redirect: Key Differences

Forward and redirect can both be used for page redirection, but there are some key differences.

1. Forward is a server-side redirect, meaning it is a page redirection that occurs within the server itself. The browser is unaware of the redirection, and the URL in the address bar remains unchanged. It is considered as one request and one response. On the other hand, redirect is a client-side redirect where the browser is informed through a 302 status code to redirect to another page. Once the browser receives the 302 status code, it will request the new URL and the address bar will change accordingly.
2. The forward redirection is completed within the same request, allowing the sharing of data in the request scope, while the redirect involves two separate requests and thus cannot share data.
3. forward involves the server side redirect without refreshing the page, keeping the same content but returning the content of a different page. In contrast, redirect triggers a new request from the browser, causing a reload of the page.
4. Forward is an internal redirection that is quick and does not add extra HTTP request overhead. In contrast, a redirect adds an extra HTTP request, causing a performance impact.