What is 404 file or directory not found?

A 404 error occurs when a user tries to access a web page that doesn't exist. It signifies that either the file or directory couldn't be found on the server. When a user encounters this error, the web server sends an HTTP status code of 404 to the user's browser. This error can occur due to multiple reasons, such as the URL being typed incorrectly, the web page being moved or removed, or a broken link on another website. In case of a 404 error, users are often directed to a custom error page that informs them about the error and offers suggestions on how to find the page they were looking for. 404 errors can have an impact on user experience and search engine rankings if not resolved quickly.