Suggest an editImprove this articleRefine the answer for “What is an HTTP method?”. Your changes go to moderation before they’re published.Approval requiredContentWhat you’re changing🇺🇸EN🇺🇦UAPreviewTitle (EN)Short answer (EN)**An HTTP method** is a **part of an HTTP request** that tells the server exactly what the client wants to do with a resource. In simple terms, an HTTP method answers the question: "what action should be performed?" **Key point:** a method is not a URL but a verb, an action; the wrong method leads to an error, for example 405 Method Not Allowed.Shown above the full answer for quick recall.Answer (EN)Image**An HTTP method** is a **part of an HTTP request** that tells the server **exactly what the client wants to do with a resource**. In simple terms: **an HTTP method answers the question: "what action should be performed?"** --- ## Why HTTP methods are needed The same URL can be used **for different actions**. An HTTP method lets the server understand **the client's intent**. For example: - get data - send data - change data - delete data Without methods, the server would not know **what exactly is wanted from it**. --- ## The most basic HTTP methods ### GET, get data Used to: - get a page - request data from an API Example: > "Give me the list of users" GET **does not change data on the server**. --- ### POST, send data Used to: - submit a form - create a new object - send data to the server Example: > "Create a new user with this data" --- ### PUT, replace data Used to: - fully update a resource Example: > "Replace the user's data entirely" --- ### PATCH, partially change data Used to: - change only part of a resource Example: > "Update only the user's email" --- ### DELETE, delete data Used to: - delete a resource Example: > "Delete the user" --- ## Why HTTP methods matter HTTP methods: - make an API **clear and predictable** - help separate the logic of actions - are used in REST and web services - matter for security and caching For example: - GET can be cached - POST usually cannot --- ## Real-life example A URL is a store's address. An HTTP method is the action: - GET → look at a product - POST → place an order - DELETE → cancel an order The address is the same, the action is different. --- ## Key points for an interview - a method is **not a URL** - a method is a **verb**, an action - the server itself decides what to do with the method - the wrong method → an error (for example, 405 Method Not Allowed) --- ## Short answer for an interview Remember this wording: > **An HTTP method is a part of an HTTP request that defines the type of operation the client performs on a resource on the server, for example retrieving, creating, changing, or deleting data.**For the reviewerNote to the moderator (optional)Visible only to the moderator. Helps review go faster.