State-changing
POST HTTP Method
POST requests send data for the server to process.
Meaning
The client sends request content for the target resource to handle.
Common uses
Use POST for form submissions, create operations, commands, uploads, and processing that is not safely repeatable.
What to check
Check the request body, Content-Type, validation errors, and whether repeating the request would create another effect.
Example request
POST /articles HTTP/1.1
Host: example.com
Content-Type: application/json
{"title":"New article"}Properties
- Safe
- No. This method can change server state.
- Idempotent
- No. Repeating the request can create another effect.
- Cacheable
- Only when the response explicitly allows it.
- Request body
- Usually yes
References
- Registry
- IANA HTTP Method Registry
- Guide
- MDN POST