AJAX POST request: Invalid request (Malformed HTTP request) on console and net::ERR_EMPTY_RESPONSE on chrome dev tools

When you encounter the error “Invalid request (Malformed HTTP request)” in the console and “net::ERR_EMPTY_RESPONSE” in Chrome Dev Tools while making an AJAX POST request, it usually indicates an issue with the request itself or the server’s response. Here are some common reasons and troubleshooting steps to help you resolve the problem:

1. Check Request Format: Ensure that the data being sent in the POST request is in the correct format, such as JSON or URL-encoded form data, depending on your server’s requirements.
2. Verify URL and Endpoint: Double-check that you are sending the AJAX request to the correct URL and API endpoint.
3. Check CORS: If your AJAX request is cross-origin (i.e., the request is being made to a different domain), ensure that the server allows requests from your domain through Cross-Origin Resource Sharing (CORS) headers.
4. Inspect Headers: Review the headers being sent with the request and make sure they are properly formatted and appropriate for the server.
5. Test with Other Tools: Try testing the request using other tools like Postman or cURL to verify if the issue is specific to your JavaScript AJAX code.
6. Server-Side Logs: Check the server-side logs to see if any error messages or exceptions are being generated that might provide more insight into the issue.
7. Network Connectivity: Ensure that you have a stable internet connection and there are no network-related issues preventing the request from reaching the server.
8. Firewall or Security Software: Temporarily disable any firewall or security software that might be blocking the request.
9. Error Handling: Implement proper error handling in your JavaScript code to catch and log any errors that might occur during the AJAX request.
10. Version Compatibility: Ensure that you are using the correct version of the AJAX library (e.g., jQuery, Axios) and that it is compatible with your browser and server.
11. Update Library: If you are using a third-party AJAX library, make sure it is up to date, as older versions might have bugs or compatibility issues.

By following these troubleshooting steps, you should be able to identify and resolve the issue with your AJAX POST request. If the problem persists, you may need to seek further assistance from the server-side developers or investigate the server’s response more thoroughly.