Which HTTP method is used to retrieve data from a server?

The use of the GET method is fundamental to web development as it serves as the primary means for clients to request data from a server. When a client, such as a web browser, utilizes the GET method, it sends a request to the server for a specific resource, which could be a web page, an image, or any other type of data. The server then processes this request and returns the requested resource to the client.

GET requests are commonly used because they allow the retrieval of data without modifying any server-side information. This method is designed to be idempotent, meaning that making the same GET request multiple times will produce the same result without side effects on the server. This behavior makes it particularly suitable for reading data.

In contrast, the purpose of the POST method is to send data to the server, often used for submitting form data or uploading files. The DELETE method serves to remove a specific resource from the server. Both of these methods are fundamentally different from GET, as they are focused on modifying server-side data rather than retrieving it. Understanding the role of the GET method is essential for making effective data retrieval requests in web applications.