@garth
The HTTP protocol defines several methods for interacting with web resources, and two of the most commonly used ones are GET and POST. Here's how you can explain the difference between them:
- GET: This method is used to retrieve a resource from the server. When a client sends a GET request, it is asking the server to send back a representation of the specified resource. The parameters of the request are included in the URL itself, in the form of query string parameters. GET requests are typically used for safe, idempotent operations, where the same request can be made multiple times without changing the server's state or causing unintended side effects.
- POST: This method is used to submit data to the server, typically in the form of a form submission. When a client sends a POST request, it is asking the server to accept the data enclosed in the request as a new entity to be processed by the identified resource. The parameters of the request are included in the request body, rather than in the URL. POST requests are typically used for operations that cause a state change on the server, such as creating a new resource, updating an existing one, or submitting a form.
In summary, GET requests are used to retrieve data, while POST requests are used to submit data. GET requests are typically safe and idempotent, while POST requests can cause a state change on the server.