What Are the HTTP Methods and How Are They Used in Web API?
HTTP methods are the tools that allow web applications to interact with servers. Imagine these methods as instructions sent to the server to either fetch information, update it, delete it, or create new data. These methods are essential for web developers, especially when building or working with APIs (Application Programming Interfaces).
In this section, we’ll cover the following topics:
- What Are the HTTP Methods?
- Basic HTTP Methods for Web API
What Are the HTTP Methods?
HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) is the system used by the internet to transfer data. It relies on "methods" to define the type of action a client (like your browser or app) wants to perform on a resource (like a webpage or a user’s data).
For beginners, you can think of HTTP methods as commands in a conversation:
- The client (you) asks for something (e.g., “Show me the data”).
- The server listens and responds accordingly (e.g., “Here’s the data you asked for”).
Basic HTTP Methods for Web API
Let’s explore the most commonly used HTTP methods with examples that show how they work in real APIs.
GET: Getting Information
The GET method is used to retrieve data from a server. Think of it like reading a book in a library—you can look at the information, but you’re not making any changes to it.
Example:
Request: GET /books (This asks the server to send back a list of all books.)
Response:
[
{ id: 1, title: "Book 1", author: "Author A" },
{ id: 2, title: "Book 2", author: "Author B" },
];
Common Uses:
- Viewing a webpage.
- Fetching user profiles from a social media platform.
POST: Sending Information
The POST method allows you to send data to the server to create something new. Imagine filling out a form to register for an event—the POST method sends your details to the server, which then saves them.
Example:
Request: POST /books
Payload:
{
"title": "New Book",
"author": "Author Name"
}
Response:
{
"message": "Book created successfully!"
}
Common Uses:
- Submitting contact forms.
- Uploading photos or files.
PUT and PATCH: Making Changes
PUT
PUT is used to update an entire resource. For example, if you update your profile, the server replaces all the old details with the new ones.
Example:
Request: PUT /books/1
Payload:
{
"title": "Updated Book",
"author": "Updated Author"
}
Response:
{
"message": "Book updated successfully!"
}
PATCH
PATCH is used to update only specific parts of a resource. For example, changing just your email address.
Example:
Request: PATCH /books/1
Payload:
{
"author": "New Author"
}
Response:
{
"message": "Author updated successfully!"
}
DELETE: Removing Information
The DELETE method removes a resource from the server. Think of it as returning a book and asking the librarian to remove it from the catalog.
Example:
Request: DELETE /books/1
Response:
{
"message": "Book deleted successfully!"
}
Common Uses:
- Deleting a user account.
- Removing unwanted posts or comments.
Reference links:
FAQ: What Are the HTTP Methods and How Are They Used in Web API?
What Are the HTTP Methods?
HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) is the system used by the internet to transfer data. It relies on "methods" to define the type of action a client (like your browser or app) wants to perform on a resource (like a webpage or a user’s data). For beginners, you can think of HTTP methods as commands in a conversation: The client (you) asks for something (e.g., “Show me the data”), and the server listens and responds accordingly (e.g., “Here’s the data you asked for”).
What is the GET method used for?
The GET method is used to retrieve data from a server. Think of it like reading a book in a library—you can look at the information, but you’re not making any changes to it. Common uses include viewing a webpage and fetching user profiles from a social media platform.
How does the POST method work?
The POST method allows you to send data to the server to create something new. Imagine filling out a form to register for an event—the POST method sends your details to the server, which then saves them. Common uses include submitting contact forms and uploading photos or files.
What is the difference between PUT and PATCH methods?
PUT is used to update an entire resource. For example, if you update your profile, the server replaces all the old details with the new ones. PATCH, on the other hand, is used to update only specific parts of a resource, such as changing just your email address.
When should the DELETE method be used?
The DELETE method removes a resource from the server. Think of it as returning a book and asking the librarian to remove it from the catalog. Common uses include deleting a user account and removing unwanted posts or comments.
Where can I learn more about HTTP methods?
For more information, you can refer to resources like the Mozilla Developer Network - HTTP Methods and RESTful API Design.