GET vs POST

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.

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.