ssl (https) compression

[trx]

Hello all,
Is https compression possible? If yes, is it recommended?

Regards,
TRX

[pmeenan]

Yes, gzip compression applies to https just like it does over http (WebPagetest just doesn't have visibility into it because of how IE works).

[trx]

So what's the easiest way to determine if a static file is compressed over SSL?

Regards,
TRX

[pmeenan]

If it's a javascript or css file then just use IE's developer tools and check the headers (sorry, I don't have a hosted solution right now).

[trx]

Thanks.

So when you say look at the headers for https statc files (js, css, etc.) requests, you mean look for "Content-Encoding: gzip"?

Just want to make sure I understand.

Regards,
TRX

[pmeenan]

Yep (in the response headers).

[trx]

Thanks! I see it in the headers in FF. It must of been IE that was confusing me.

Regards,
TRX

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One other thing, compression is usually called http compression, does it compress first over http then get's decrypted for ssl? or does it decrypt the data first and then compresses the file/data?