Low level HTTP(s) testing

For http use:
$ telnet localhost 80
GET / HTTP/1.0

For https use (openssl tool):
$ openssl s_client -connect localhost:443 -state -debug
GET / HTTP/1.0

Before the actual HTTP response you will receive detailed information about the SSL handshake.


More...ff you want to use HTTP/1.1 use
GET / HTTP/1.1

Even More...if you use virtual servers enter (after you get a prompt from GET / HTTP/1.1)
Host: your_virtual_server_name