Understanding HTTP Methods (GET, POST, PUT, DELETE & More)

HTTP Methods Explained: A Beginner’s Guide

If you’ve ever wondered how websites and apps talk to servers, the answer often comes down to HTTP methods. These methods tell the server what action you want to perform on a resource. They are case-sensitive (must always be uppercase) and form the backbone of how we interact with the web.

Think of HTTP methods as verbs in a language — they describe the action you want to perform. Do you want to read something? Create something? Update or delete something? There’s a specific method for each.

1. GET

The GET method is used to retrieve data from a server. It’s like asking a librarian to give you a book — you’re only requesting, not changing anything.

Example: Typing https://elkickofficial.blogspot.com in your browser sends a GET request to fetch the homepage.

2. POST

The POST method is used to send data to the server to create a new resource. Think of it as filling out a form and submitting it.

Example: Submitting a registration form sends a POST request with your details to create a new account.

3. PUT

The PUT method is used to update an existing resource completely. Imagine editing a document and saving the whole file again with changes.

Example: Updating your email in profile settings sends a PUT request with the new email to overwrite the old one.

4. DELETE

The DELETE method is used to remove a resource from the server.

Example: Deleting a comment on a blog sends a DELETE request to remove it permanently.

5. HEAD

The HEAD method is like GET, but it only fetches headers (metadata), not the actual content. It’s like checking a book’s table of contents without reading the full book.

Example: Checking if a file exists on a server without downloading it.

6. OPTIONS

The OPTIONS method asks the server what actions are allowed on a resource. It’s like asking a waiter what’s on the menu before ordering.

Example: The browser may send an OPTIONS request to check if GET, POST, or other methods are supported for a URL.

7. PATCH

The PATCH method applies partial updates to a resource, unlike PUT which replaces it completely.

Example: Updating just your phone number in your profile settings with a PATCH request.

Wrapping Up

HTTP methods are the building blocks of communication between clients (browsers or apps) and servers. Here’s a quick summary:

• GET → Read
• POST → Create
• PUT → Update (replace)
• PATCH → Update (partial)
• DELETE → Remove
• HEAD → Get metadata
• OPTIONS → Check available methods