Differences between GET- and POST-HTTP-Requests
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Differences between GET and POST requests[edit]
In the Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP), GET and POST are two of the most common request methods.[1] They are used to facilitate communication between a client, such as a web browser, and a server.[1] The primary function of a GET request is to retrieve data from a specified resource, while a POST request submits data to a server to create or update a resource.[2][3] Their distinct purposes lead to fundamental differences in how they handle data, security, and caching.[3]
Comparison table[edit]
| Feature | GET | POST |
|---|---|---|
| Primary purpose | To request and retrieve data from a server.[2] | To submit data to a server to create or update a resource.[1] |
| Data location | Data is appended to the URL as query string parameters.[3] | Data is included in the body of the HTTP request.[4] |
| Data size | Limited by the maximum URL length supported by browsers and servers, often around 2048 characters.[5] | No inherent limit on data size is defined by the HTTP protocol, but server configurations often impose practical limits. |
| Data types | Limited to ASCII characters as part of the URL. | Can transmit various data types, including binary data (e.g., file uploads). |
| Caching | Responses can be cached by browsers and intermediary network components.[2] | Responses are not cached by default.[2] |
| Browser history | Requests are stored in the browser's history, as the full URL including data is recorded.[2] | Requests are not stored in the browser's history.[2] |
| Bookmarking | URLs containing GET parameters can be bookmarked for future use.[2] | Requests cannot be bookmarked.[2] |
| Idempotency | Idempotent. Multiple identical requests have the same effect as a single request. | Not idempotent. Multiple identical requests may result in the creation of multiple resources or other cumulative effects. |
Idempotency[edit]
A key distinction between the two methods is idempotency. An HTTP method is considered idempotent if making multiple identical requests has the same effect on the server's state as making a single request. GET is idempotent because it is a read-only operation; retrieving the same data multiple times does not alter the resource on the server.
POST, however, is not idempotent. For example, submitting a form to create a new user via a POST request multiple times would likely result in the creation of multiple distinct users. This lack of idempotency is intentional, as POST is designed for actions that are expected to change the state of the server with each execution.
Security considerations[edit]
The placement of data is a significant factor in the security of GET and POST requests. Because GET requests include data in the URL, sensitive information like usernames or tokens are visible in the browser's address bar, server logs, and browser history.[4] This exposure presents a security risk.
POST requests are considered more secure for handling sensitive information because the data is contained within the request body, which is not displayed in the URL or stored in browser history.[4] While this offers a degree of privacy, it does not mean POST is inherently encrypted. For secure transmission of data with either method, the use of HTTPS is necessary to encrypt the entire request, including the URL and the body.[4]
References[edit]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 "baeldung.com". Retrieved January 03, 2026.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 "w3schools.com". Retrieved January 03, 2026.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 "postman.com". Retrieved January 03, 2026.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 "udacity.com". Retrieved January 03, 2026.
- ↑ "stackoverflow.com". Retrieved January 03, 2026.
