Difference between get and post

by Yogi P - November 15, 2023

Difference between get and post | Get vs. Post: Navigating the Web’s Data Transmission Methods

In the digital realm of web development and internet communication protocols, “GET” and “POST” are two of the most common methods used for sending data from a client to a server.

While their end goal is to transmit user input and data requests between the client-side and server-side of a web application, they accomplish this in different ways with varying implications for data size, security, and usage.

This article aims to explain POST and GET methods, outlining their differences and appropriate use cases.

GET Method

The GET method appends data into the URL in name/value pairs. It’s designed for retrieving information from the server. Each name/value pair is separated by an ampersand (&), and the whole string is appended to the URL after a question mark (?).

Key Characteristics of GET:

Data Visibility: Data sent by GET is visible to everyone in the URL, which makes it less secure.
Data Length: The length of a URL is limited (about 2000 characters), which restricts the amount of information that can be sent.
Caching and Bookmarking: GET requests can be cached and bookmarked, which is beneficial for searching and retrieving information quickly.
Idempotency: GET requests are idempotent, meaning multiple identical requests should have the same effect as a single one.
Use Cases: Ideal for simple queries, searches, and any request where the data doesn’t need to be secure or extensive.

POST Method

Conversely, the POST method sends data to the server in a message body rather than appended to the URL. It’s utilized for writing data on the server, such as uploading a file or submitting a completed form.

Key Aspects of POST:

Data Visibility: Data sent by POST is not displayed in the URL, which provides a layer of security for sensitive information.
Data Length: There is no size limit to the amount of data you can send, making POST suitable for large data transfers.
Caching and Bookmarking: POST requests cannot be cached or bookmarked, ensuring that actions like transactions aren’t repeated.
Idempotency: POST requests are not idempotent; sending the same POST request multiple times may result in different outcomes or repeated actions.
Use Cases: Best for complex queries, transactions, and any situation where data security and size are concerns.

Table Summarizing the Differences Between GET and POST:

Aspect	GET Method	POST Method
Data in URL	Yes, data is appended to the URL.	No, data is included in the request body.
Data Security	Less secure as data is visible in the URL.	More secure as data is not displayed in the URL.
Data Size	Limited by the URL length – about 2000 characters.	No limit – can send large quantities of data.
Caching	Can be cached.	Cannot be cached.
Bookmarking	Can be bookmarked.	Cannot be bookmarked.
Idempotency	Idempotent – sending repeat requests does not affect data.	Non-idempotent – repeat requests may have side effects.
Typical Use Cases	Retrieving data, such as search results.	Sending data, such as form submissions and file uploads.

Understanding Through Practical Scenarios

To better understand when to use GET or POST, consider the following scenarios:

GET: You’re searching for a product on an e-commerce site. A GET request is sent with your search query embedded in the URL, so you can share or bookmark the URL to return to the same search results later.
POST: You’re purchasing a product on the same site. A POST request is sent with payment details in the body of the request, which ensures that the information remains secure and isn’t exposed in the URL or browser history.

Security Implications of POST vs GET

When it comes to security, the POST method is inherently more secure than GET due to its non-visible nature of data transmission.

It’s important to note that POST should always be used for transferring sensitive data, such as passwords or personal information, to prevent data exposure and security risks.

Conclusion

In web communications, understanding the difference between GET and POST is fundamental for developers and users alike. GET is suited for simple, non-sensitive data retrieval that can benefit from the ability to be cached and bookmarked.

POST is tailored for secure, significant data transmission where the integrity and privacy of the data are crucial. Properly utilizing GET and POST methods is essential for efficient, secure, and user-friendly web application development and interaction.