DAV

DAV is an acronym with several notable meanings in technology and civil society.

In technology, WebDAV stands for Web-based Distributed Authoring and Versioning, an extension to the Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) that enables clients to collaboratively edit and manage files on remote web servers. WebDAV adds new methods and properties to HTTP, such as PROPFIND, PROPPATCH, MKCOL, COPY, MOVE, LOCK, and UNLOCK, allowing more granular control over resources. The core WebDAV specification was published as RFC 4918 in 2007, with later documents addressing access control and security. Versioning features are not in the base WebDAV standard but can be implemented via the DeltaV extension (RFC 3253) or other server-specific mechanisms. WebDAV is supported by many web servers and client software, and is commonly used for content management systems and cloud storage integration.

In Germany, DAV refers to the Deutscher Alpenverein, the German Alpine Club. Founded in 1869, it is the country’s largest mountaineering and climbing association. The DAV operates a network of sections (local clubs), maintains mountain huts and trail infrastructure, and provides rescue services and training programs for mountaineering, sport climbing, and outdoor recreation. It also engages in conservation and education initiatives and publishes information resources and magazines such as Alpin.

Other uses of the acronym exist but are less standardized; the two above are the most widely encountered in technology and sport/community organizations.