How do GET and POST methods differ in HTTP?

The answer highlights a fundamental distinction in how the GET and POST methods function within the HTTP protocol. GET is primarily utilized to request data from a server. It appends any necessary data to the URL, which allows users to retrieve specific resources or information stored on the server, such as web pages or API responses. This method is considered idempotent, meaning repeated requests will yield the same result without altering resources on the server.

On the other hand, the POST method is designed to send data to a server for processing. This could involve submitting form data, uploading files, or executing transactions that modify server-side resources. Unlike GET, the data sent via POST is not included in the URL; instead, it is transmitted in the body of the request. This characteristic makes POST suitable for operations that require more security and privacy, as sensitive information is not visible in the URL or logged in server logs.

This differentiation highlights the appropriate use cases for each method, enhancing understanding of how web applications communicate with servers and handle data.