What is HTTP Methods?
Turkish: HTTP Metotları
HTTP methods are standard verbs that tell a server whether a resource should be read, created, updated, partially changed, or deleted.
What Are HTTP Methods?
HTTP methods express what a client wants to do with a target resource. The same URL can carry different meanings depending on the method; GET /orders/42 reads an order, PATCH updates part of it, and DELETE asks to remove it.
The most common methods are:
- GET: Reads data. It should not change state and is suitable for caching.
- POST: Starts an operation or creates a resource. Payment attempts, form submissions, and search requests often use it.
- PUT: Replaces a resource with a full representation, or creates it at a known address.
- PATCH: Updates only selected fields on a resource.
- DELETE: Requests removal of a resource.
- HEAD and OPTIONS: Support metadata checks and discovery of allowed methods.
Why Semantics Matter
Method choice affects browsers, proxies, CDNs, and API clients. Changing data through GET is risky because caches and crawlers may replay it. POST is not idempotent by default; if a network failure causes a retry, a duplicate order or payment can occur. Critical flows often use idempotency keys to make retries safe.
Using HTTP methods consistently makes REST API resources easier to understand, test, and document.