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HTTP GET
Retrieves a resource from the server. GET is safe and idempotent – identical requests return the same result without side effects.
HTTP PUT
Updates or creates a resource. PUT is idempotent, so duplicate requests will update the same resource. Useful for complete replacements.
HTTP POST
Creates new resources. POST is not idempotent – duplicate requests will create additional resources. The workhorse for most APIs.
HTTP DELETE
Deletes a resource. Like PUT, DELETE is idempotent. Repeat as much as you want, the resource will be deleted once.
HTTP PATCH
Applies partial modifications to resources. Useful for updating parts of an object without replacing everything.
HTTP HEAD
Gets just the headers for a resource, no body. Good for light existence checks before heavier GETs.
HTTP CONNECT
Establishes a tunnel to a server identified by the target resource. Enables SSL proxying and tunneling.
HTTP OPTIONS
Describes communication options for the target resource. What methods are supported? What extensions?
HTTP TRACE
Performs a message loop-back test along the path to the target resource. Handy for diagnostic purposes.
Practice Verified Codes and Commands
1. HTTP GET Request with cURL
curl -X GET https://api.example.com/resource
2. **HTTP PUT Request with cURL**
curl -X PUT -d '{"key":"value"}' -H "Content-Type: application/json" https://api.example.com/resource/1
3. **HTTP POST Request with cURL**
curl -X POST -d '{"key":"value"}' -H "Content-Type: application/json" https://api.example.com/resource
4. **HTTP DELETE Request with cURL**
curl -X DELETE https://api.example.com/resource/1
5. **HTTP PATCH Request with cURL**
curl -X PATCH -d '{"key":"new_value"}' -H "Content-Type: application/json" https://api.example.com/resource/1
6. **HTTP HEAD Request with cURL**
curl -I https://api.example.com/resource
7. **HTTP OPTIONS Request with cURL**
curl -X OPTIONS https://api.example.com/resource
8. **HTTP TRACE Request with cURL**
curl -X TRACE https://api.example.com/resource
**What Undercode Say**
HTTP verbs are the backbone of web communication, enabling seamless interaction between clients and servers. Understanding their nuances is crucial for developers, especially when designing APIs or debugging network issues. The GET method is ideal for retrieving data without side effects, while POST is essential for creating new resources. PUT and PATCH are often confused, but PUT is used for complete resource updates, whereas PATCH is for partial modifications. DELETE ensures idempotent removal of resources, and HEAD is a lightweight way to check resource headers. CONNECT, OPTIONS, and TRACE are less commonly used but serve specific purposes like tunneling, describing communication options, and diagnostics.
For Linux and IT professionals, mastering cURL commands is indispensable. Whether you’re testing APIs or automating tasks, cURL provides a powerful CLI tool for HTTP requests. Additionally, tools like `netcat` (nc) can be used for low-level network debugging, while `telnet` can simulate HTTP requests for testing purposes. For Windows users, PowerShell’s `Invoke-WebRequest` cmdlet offers similar functionality.
To deepen your understanding, explore resources like MDN Web Docs on HTTP and HTTP Status Codes. These guides provide comprehensive insights into HTTP protocols, status codes, and best practices.
In conclusion, mastering HTTP verbs and their practical applications is a cornerstone of modern web development and IT operations. Whether you’re a backend developer, DevOps engineer, or cybersecurity professional, these concepts are essential for building robust, scalable, and secure systems.
References:
Hackers Feeds, Undercode AI
