Understanding the Difference Between POST and GET Methods in Web Development

Introduction
In web development, data communication between a client and server is a core function of any application. Two of the most commonly used HTTP request methods are GET and POST. Though they might appear similar, they serve different purposes and behave differently under various scenarios.

Difference Between GET and POST Methods
Feature GET POST
Purpose Retrieves data from the server Submits data to be processed by the server
Data Visibility Appended to the URL (visible) Sent in the request body (invisible)
Security Less secure; data exposed in URL More secure; data not visible in URL
Bookmarking Can be bookmarked Cannot be bookmarked
Data Length Limit Limited (URL length restrictions) No restrictions on data length
Caching Can be cached Not cached by default
Use Case Example Search queries, filters, navigation Form submissions, login, file upload

Use Cases
GET is ideal for retrieving data where no change in server state is expected. For example, searching for articles, filtering products, or navigating through pages.

POST is used when the request involves sending sensitive or large amounts of data to the server, such as submitting forms, uploading files, or logging in.

When to Use
Use GET when:

The operation is idempotent (does not change server data)

Data can be shared or bookmarked

Speed and caching are prioritized over security

Use POST when:

The request modifies server state (e.g., inserting or updating data)

Security and privacy are concerns

Large volumes of data need to be sent securely