What are the HTTP request methods?
A collection of resources housed on different web servers makes up the Internet. Users utilize a variety of web browsers that can communicate with the server and display its contents in order to access these resources. The HTTP protocol is used in requests and replies to facilitate efficient client-server communication. An HTTP request is a message that the client sends to the server. Clients can use a variety of techniques, referred to as HTTP request methods, when sending these requests.
HTTP methods are case-sensitive. You should only use capital letters when using them. Furthermore, case insensitivity is not present in HTTP header field names.
Types of HTTP request methods
- GET
- POST
- PUT
- PATCH
- DELETE
- HEAD
- TRACE
- OPTIONS
- CONNECT
GET
One of the most popular HTTP methods is the GET method. In order to request specific resource data from the Web server, it is typically implemented by supplying the parameters in the URL portion of the request as a query string (name and value pairs).
The GET method's numerous features include
- You can bookmark the GET requests as soon as they show up in the URL.
- One may cache the GET request.
- If a web browser is used to execute the GET request, it is stored in the browser history.
- Only requests that employ the GET method and have no other purpose can yield the data.
- Word documents and other binary data cannot be sent using the GET method.
- The GET request is thought to be a secure and optimal way to request data alone because it does not alter any resources—it merely requests data.
- A GET request should never be used to transmit sensitive data, such as login credentials, since it compromises the security of the connection.
- For this method, there are character length limitations (2048 characters maximum), as stated in the URL.
POST
One popular HTTP method that transfers data to the Web server in the HTTP request body is POST. The POST method's numerous features include
- Since the POST requests are not included in the URL, they cannot be bookmarked.
- There is no caching of the POST requests.
- Web browsers do not store POST requests as history.
- The amount of data that can be sent in a POST request is unlimited.
- You can send binary and ASCII data using the POST method.
- A POST request needs to be used when sending sensitive data, like when submitting an HTML form.
PUT
If the target resource cannot be found, a new resource can be created using the HTTP PUT request method, which can also be used to update existing resources with uploaded content. The distinction between POST and PUT is that PUT requests are static, meaning that while POST requests create new content each time they are sent, calling the same PUT method more than once will not produce a different result.
PATCH
To apply a set of changes to the request entity for the resource identified by the Request-URI, utilize the HTTP Patch method. This technique, which modifies the resource partially, is essential for enhancing interoperability and avoiding errors. The specified set of modifications is presented in a format denoted by the media type as a Patch Document.
With the Patch, all changes requested by the server are either applied or none at all. When a cache is used to pass a PATCH request, one or more cached entities are identified by the Request-URI. After that, the entries are labeled as "stale." Patch documentation has no set format; instead, servers must provide a document that is tailored to the specific requirements of the resource they have identified. Since it avoids undesirable outcomes from the collision of two Patch requests on the same resource in a similar time frame, this request method should be issued in an idempotent manner.
DELETE
The specified resource can be deleted using the HTTP DELETE method. A 202 (Accepted) status code may be returned if the DELETE method is applied successfully and the action is not yet acted upon but is expected to be successful.
Here are some essential details regarding the HTTP DELETE protocol.
- It is one of the common ways to communicate with server resources.
- Its syntax and structure are particular.
- DELETE should be avoided in some situations, but it is appropriate in others.
- When using DELETE, there are certain best practices.
- The DELETE method can be implemented both client-side and server-side.
HEAD
With the exception of not returning a response body, the HTTP HEAD method is nearly identical to the GET method. In the event that GET/users return a record of users, for instance, and HEAD/users make the same request, no records of the users will be returned.
Before sending the actual GET request, it is helpful to test with the HEAD request to see if the GET request will actually respond. This will occasionally be helpful in certain circumstances, like verifying a URL's response prior to downloading a file.
TRACE
Clients can obtain a diagnostic representation of the request and response message headers for a particular resource on a web server using the HTTP TRACE method. Put more simply, it gives clients access to what the server has received, including any changes made by proxies or load balancers, among other intermediaries. When troubleshooting and comprehending the flow of HTTP requests and responses in intricate network configurations, this can be immensely helpful.
Consider the TRACE method as a mirror reflecting the exact message that was sent by the client, giving you the ability to observe what was sent and any potential modifications made to it along the way. The TRACE method's main objective is to aid network administrators and developers in diagnosing possible problems with their systems.
OPTIONS
A standardized method for clients to find out what communication options are available for a specific resource on a server is the HTTP OPTIONS method. The server provides a list of supported HTTP methods and any extra communication options unique to that resource in response to a client's OPTIONS request.
Consider the OPTIONS method as a polite way to find out about a resource's capabilities, akin to asking a friend about their favorite pastime. This approach teaches the client how to interact with the resource instead of altering the resource itself.
CONNECT
A special HTTP request method called HTTP CONNECT is used to create connections over networks, usually Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) connections. The HTTP CONNECT method is primarily concerned with building a network tunnel between the client and a requested resource via an intermediary, such as a proxy server, whereas other HTTP methods, like GET and POST, mostly deal with resource retrieval and submission.
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