What is the primary protocol for transmitting web pages?

The primary protocol for transmitting web pages is HTTP, which stands for Hypertext Transfer Protocol. This protocol is specifically designed to facilitate the transfer of hypertext and multimedia documents on the World Wide Web. When a user requests a web page through their browser, the HTTP protocol enables the communication between the web browser and the web server, allowing for the retrieval and display of content.

HTTP functions by establishing a connection between the client (the browser) and the server, enabling the exchange of requests and responses. The protocol supports various methods, such as GET and POST, which dictate how data is sent and received.

Given its role in the web environment, HTTP is fundamental to the workings of the Internet as it governs how information is formatted and transmitted over the web, making it the backbone of online communication and navigation for web pages.