GET vs POST

In this section you will learn about the difference between GET and POST Method.

get vs post
get vs post
get vs post

Luke Stephens

Luke Stephens

Luke Stephens

GET vs POST

GET and POST stand as two fundamental verbs enabling web interactions. Understanding their differences is crucial for effective web development:

Operation

  • GET Method: Used to retrieve information from the server.

  • POST Method: Used to send data to the server to create/update a resource.

Data Location

  • GET Method: Appends data to the URL, visible to all.

  • POST Method: Includes data in the request body, not displayed in the URL.

Idempotency

  • GET Method: Idempotent; the same request can be repeated with no further changes.

  • POST Method: Non-idempotent; repeating the same request can lead to different results.

Data Size

  • GET Method: Limited by the URL length; less data can be sent.

  • POST Method: No limitations on data size; suitable for large amounts of data.

Caching

  • GET Method: Can be cached.

  • POST Method: Not cached by default.

Security

  • GET Method: Less secure as data is exposed in the URL.

  • POST Method: More secure; data is concealed within the request body.

Use Case

  • GET Method: Ideal for searching and retrieving data.

  • POST Method: Ideal for transactions and updating data.

GET vs POST

Example of GET vs POST:

GET request for retrieving user details:

GET /api/users/12345 HTTP/1.1
Host: www.example.com

POST request for creating a new user:

POST /api/users HTTP/1.1
Host: www.example.com
Content-Type: application/json

{
  "name": "Jane Doe",
  "email": "jane.doe@example.com"
}

When to use GET vs POST

  • Use GET for actions that retrieve data without side effects.

  • Use POST for actions that change server state, such as creating or updating resources.

  • Never use GET to transmit sensitive data.

Choosing between GET and POST is fundamental for web service design, ensuring actions are performed correctly while optimizing for security and efficiency.