GET vs PUT vs POST – All HTTP Request Methods Explained

Hello there, fellow codedamn enthusiasts! In this blog post, we'll be diving deep into the world of HTTP request methods. When it comes to web development, understanding HTTP request methods is crucial. These methods, such as GET, PUT, and POST, play a significant role in how we interact with web-based services and APIs. This blog is aimed at those who are just starting their journey into the world of web development, so we'll take a beginner-friendly approach and explain everything in simple terms.

Introduction to HTTP Request Methods

HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) is the foundation of data communication on the World Wide Web. It allows clients (like your web browser) and servers to communicate with each other. HTTP request methods are used by clients to indicate the desired action to be performed on a specified resource.

Let's explore the most common HTTP request methods: GET, PUT, and POST. We'll also discuss other methods, such as DELETE, HEAD, OPTIONS, PATCH, and CONNECT.

GET

The GET method is used to request a representation of a specified resource. It retrieves information from the server and does not change the state of the resource. GET is considered a safe and idempotent method.

Example:

curl -X GET 'https://codedamn.com/users/123'

In this example, we're using the curl command to send a GET request to the codedamn server to retrieve information about a user with the ID 123.

When to use GET

Use the GET method when:

1. You need to retrieve information from a server.
2. The request should have no side effects on the server.
3. The request parameters must be sent in the URL (not ideal for sensitive information).

PUT

The PUT method is used to update an existing resource with new data or create a new resource with the specified URI if it does not exist. It is considered idempotent but not safe.

Example:

curl -X PUT -d 'username=johndoe&[email protected]' 'https://codedamn.com/users/123'

In this example, we're using the curl command to send a PUT request to the codedamn server to update the user with the ID 123 with new data (username and email).

When to use PUT

Use the PUT method when:

1. You need to update a resource with new data or create it if it doesn't exist.
2. The request has a clear and specific URI.
3. The request should be idempotent, meaning that multiple identical requests should have the same effect as a single request.

POST

The POST method is used to submit data to be processed by the server. It creates a new resource or appends data to an existing resource. POST is considered neither safe nor idempotent.

Example:

curl -X POST -d 'username=johndoe&[email protected]' 'https://codedamn.com/users'

In this example, we're using the curl command to send a POST request to the codedamn server to create a new user with the provided username and email.

When to use POST

Use the POST method when:

1. You need to submit data to be processed by the server.
2. The request may have side effects on the server.
3. The request should not be idempotent, meaning that multiple identical requests may have different effects.

Other HTTP Request Methods

DELETE

The DELETE method is used to delete a specified resource. It is considered idempotent but not safe.

HEAD

The HEAD method is similar to the GET method, but it only retrieves the headers of the response, not the actual data. It is considered safe and idempotent.

OPTIONS

The OPTIONS method is used to describe the communication options for a specified resource. It is considered safe and idempotent.

PATCH

The PATCH method is used to apply partial modifications to a specified resource. It is neither safe nor idempotent.

CONNECT

The CONNECT method is used to establish a network connection to a specified resource, usually for use with an HTTP proxy. It is neither safe nor idempotent.

FAQ

Q: What is the difference between safe and idempotent methods?

A: Safe methods do not change the state of the server, while idempotent methods can change the state but have the same effect when called multiple times with the same parameters.

Q: When should I use POST instead of PUT?

A: Use POST when you want to submit data to be processed by the server, and the request may have side effects. Use PUT when you want to update a specific resource with new data or create it if it doesn't exist.

Q: What is the main use of the HEAD method?

A: The HEAD method is used to retrieve only the headers of the response, which can be useful for checking if a resource exists or obtaining metadata without actually downloading the resource.

Q: Can I use PATCH to update a resource partially?

A: Yes, PATCH is designed to apply partial modifications to a specified resource.

That wraps up our beginner-friendly explanation of HTTP request methods. We hope this blog post has helped you gain a better understanding of these essential web development concepts. Remember to check out the official HTTP/1.1 documentation for a more in-depth look at the various request methods and their usage. Happy coding!