:: COMPARE ::
The short answer
404 says 'not here' and promises nothing — it might be back tomorrow. 410 says 'this is gone, on purpose, and it isn't coming back.' The spec asks servers to prefer 410 when they know the removal is permanent, and 404 when they genuinely can't tell.
Side by side
| Aspect | 404 Not Found | 410 Gone |
|---|---|---|
| Permanence | Unknown — no promise | Likely permanent |
| Implies intent? | No | Yes — removed deliberately |
| Use it when | You can't tell | You know it's gone for good |
| Might return? | Maybe | Unlikely - spec says 'likely permanent' |
What each one means
404 is the HTTP status code a web server returns when it can be reached perfectly well but has nothing at the address you asked for. The page isn't there — and the code deliberately makes no promise about whether it ever was, or ever will be.
Full definition of 404 →The contrast above sets out how 410 Gone differs from 404 on the points that actually matter.