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**POST** is an **HTTP method** used to **send data to a server** and **perform actions that change the server's state**.

In simple terms: **POST is needed to "transfer data and do something"**.

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## The main purpose of POST

POST is used when you need to:

- send form data
- create a new resource
- pass data to an API
- perform an operation on the server

Typical examples:

- user registration
- sending a message
- creating an order
- authorization

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## How POST works

1. The client sends an HTTP request with the **POST** method
2. Data is sent **in the request body**
3. The server processes the data
4. The server changes its state (creates, saves, processes)
5. The server returns an HTTP response

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## Where data is sent with POST

Unlike GET:

- data is sent **in the request body**
- it is **not visible in the URL**
- large amounts of data can be sent

For example:

```json
{
  "username": "alice",
  "password": "12345"
}
```

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## Key properties of POST

### 1. Not idempotent

A repeated POST:

- can create duplicates
- can trigger the action again

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### 2. Not cached by default

POST requests:

- are usually not cached by browsers
- are always sent to the server

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### 3. Used to change data

POST **changes the server's state**, unlike GET.

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## POST vs GET (very briefly)

- **GET** - get data
- **POST** - send data and change state

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## Real-life example

POST is like:

- filling out a form and submitting it
- placing an order
- sending a message

You **transfer something**, and the system **does something**.

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