What is your definition of "file" that precludes calling these text files, files? The word "file" has a very broad definition. HTTP/0.9 itself could be accurat

What is your definition of "file" that precludes calling these text files, files? The word "file" has a very broad definition. HTTP/0.9 itself could be accurately described as a protocol for sending a text file as a query and receiving one in response. A basic HTTP client can be implemented by reading and writing files into netcat. The entire HTTP header is a text file.