What Are GET and POST?
When your browser sends an HTTP request, it includes a method that tells the server what kind of action you want to perform. The two most common methods are GET and POST, and understanding the difference between them is fundamental to how the web works.
Think of it simply: GET means "show me" and POST means "take this."
GET: Retrieving Information
GET requests ask the server to return something. When you click a link, type a URL, or load a webpage, your browser sends a GET request. You're saying, "Please give me this resource."
GET requests have some important characteristics:
- They should only retrieve data, never change anything on the server
- Any parameters appear in the URL (like
?search=cats) - They can be bookmarked and shared
- Browsers can cache GET responses to speed up repeated visits
- They're visible in browser history
Because GET requests are visible and cacheable, you should never use them for sensitive data like passwords or personal information.
POST: Submitting Data
POST requests send data to the server for processing. When you submit a login form, upload a file, or post a comment, your browser sends a POST request. You're saying, "Here's some information — please do something with it."
POST requests differ from GET in key ways:
- They typically change something on the server (create an account, place an order)
- Data travels in the request body, not the URL
- They cannot be bookmarked
- Browsers warn you before re-submitting POST requests
- They're appropriate for sensitive information
Why the Distinction Matters
This separation isn't arbitrary — it reflects how web applications should behave. GET requests are considered "safe" because they don't modify data. You can refresh a page loaded via GET without worrying about side effects.
POST requests, however, might charge your credit card or delete your account. That's why browsers show warnings like "Are you sure you want to resubmit this form?" when you try to refresh a page that was loaded via POST.
Beyond GET and POST
HTTP defines other methods too — PUT for updating resources, DELETE for removing them, and others. But GET and POST handle the vast majority of web interactions. Understanding these two methods gives you insight into how every form submission, page load, and link click actually works.