423 Locked
The 423 HTTP status code means that the file or folder you are trying to access is currently locked and unavailable for editing or modification.
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Introduction
In Action
Sample
Conclusion
Introduction
When you see the HTTP status code 423 Locked, it means that the file or folder you are trying to access is currently locked and unavailable for editing or modification.
This status is like trying to open a file that someone else is already working on, and you need to wait until it’s released or contact the owner to resolve the lock.
In Action
The 423 Locked error message is specific to WebDAV, a system that lets you work with files over HTTP. When you try to modify a file that is currently locked by another user, the server returns this error. If you are granted a lock on a resource, the server sends you a Lock-Token header, which you can later use to unlock or refresh the lock.
The response from the server also includes precondition or post-condition codes to help guide your next steps, such as indicating if a lock token has been submitted or if there are any conflicting locks.
Note: Search engines like Google will not index a URL with a 423 Locked response status, so URLs returning this code won’t appear in search results.
Sample
In the example, the client tries to upload a file to a folder that is currently locked, preventing any modifications. The server responds with a 423 Locked error message, indicating that the operation is not allowed. In the subsequent request, the client includes a Lock-Token in the If header to request unlocking the resource.
It’s important to note that a successful UNLOCK request only removes the specific lock referenced by the Lock-Token. If other locks are still active, they may cause the server to return the 423 Locked status again.
Initial request
PUT /documents/ HTTP/1.1
Host: www.example.com
Content-Type: applications/pdf
Content-Length: 10000
< PDF file transferred>
Initial response
HTTP/1.1 423 Locked
Content-Type: application/xml
Content-Length: 163
< ?xml version=”1.0″ encoding=”utf-8″ ?>
< d:error xmlns:d=”DAV:”>
< d:lock-token-submitted>
< d:href>/documents/</d:href>
< /d:lock-token-submitted>
< /d:error>
Second request, incorporating unlock request
PUT /documents/ HTTP/1.1
Host: www.example.com
Content-Type: applications/pdf
Content-Length: 10000
If: (<urn:uuid:123…789>)
< PDF file transferred>
Final response
HTTP/1.1 204 No Content
Conclusion
The 423 Locked status code indicates that the requested resource is currently locked and cannot be modified. Clients may attempt to unlock the resource using the Lock-Token in subsequent requests, but it’s important to remember that successful unlocking only applies to the specific lock referenced, and other locks may still be in place.
