This article will educate you about the many HTTP request methods available in PHP and how to successfully use them. We’ll go through the more common methods, such as GET and POST, as well as the less used ones, such as PUT and DELETE. We will also look at how to use Super Globals in PHP.

What is HTTP?

HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) is a protocol that enables communication between a client and a server. It is based on the request-response concept, in which the client submits a request to the server, and the server answers. The response provides a status code as well as request details. Understanding HTTP principles is necessary when working with request methods in PHP.

HTTP Request Methods

The HTTP protocol allows a variety of mechanisms for sending requests to a server. The following are the most widely utilized methods:

• GET
• POST
• PUT
• HEAD
• DELETE
• PATCH
• OPTIONS

HTTP GET Method

The GET method is used to retrieve data from a certain website. It sends data to the server as a query string (key/value pairs) via the URL. GET requests have the ability to be cached in memory, saved to the browser’s history, and bookmarked. They are not ideal for delicate content, however, and have a maximum character length of 1024. GET requests are only used to retrieve data and cannot be used to modify it.

The $_GET global array in PHP stores information about GET requests as key-value pairs (associative array).

HTTP POST Method

The POST technique is used to build and update server resources. It sends data to the server in the request body. POST requests cannot be cached, saved in memory, or saved in the browser history. They are also more secure than GET queries since there are no length restrictions. POST requests can be used to create and update resources.

In PHP, the $_POST global array contains information about POST requests in the form of key-value pairs (associative array).

HTTP PUT Method

PUT methods, like POST methods, are used to create or update server resources. However, although making multiple PUT requests has the same effect as sending one, sending multiple POST requests makes many copies of the same resource. When you want to update an existing resource rather than create a new one, PUT comes in useful.

HTTP HEAD Method

The HEAD method is the same as the GET method, except that it only returns the response’s headers rather than the content. This can be useful for testing the existence or status of a resource without having to download it. Although PHP does not have a built-in method for processing HEAD requests, the cURL library can assist.

HTTP DELETE Method

Use the DELETE method to delete a resource from the server. It is a straightforward technique that merely requires the resource’s URL to be deleted. DELETE requests should be used with caution since they delete the resource permanently and cannot be reversed.

HTTP PATCH Method

The PATCH method is used to update a server resource in stages. PATCH requests, as opposed to PUT requests, alter just the fields specified in the request rather than changing the whole resource. When only a tiny section of a resource has to be modified, PATCH requests might be useful instead of sending the entire resource to the server.

HTTP OPTIONS Method

The OPTIONS method returns the authorized methods for a given resource. It is not as commonly used as the other ways, but it might be useful for determining which methods a server or resource supports.

Super Globals in PHP

Super Globals are PHP variables that may be accessible anywhere in the script, including functions and methods. $_GET, $_POST, $_SERVER, and many others are examples. These variables are used to get access to information about the current request, such as its method, headers, and contents. It is critical to understand how to use Super Globals while working with HTTP requests in PHP.

Conclusion

This course taught you about the various HTTP request methods available in PHP and their applications. In addition, you learnt how to use Super Globals in PHP. Understanding the fundamentals of HTTP, request methods, and Super Globals is required for working with PHP and general web programming. You may use this information to design more efficient and effective web apps that connect with servers and clients.

Q&A

Q: What is the purpose of this article?
A: This article describes the various HTTP request methods available in PHP and how to utilize them effectively. It also goes through how to use Super Globals in PHP.

Q: What are the most commonly used HTTP request methods in PHP?
A: The most commonly used HTTP request methods in PHP are GET and POST.

Q: What is the difference between GET and POST methods?
A: GET requests are used to get information from a specified resource and provide data in the form of a query string to the server. POST requests are used to create and update server resources, and they deliver data in the request body.

Q: What are Super Globals?
A:Super Globals are PHP variables that may be accessible anywhere in the script, including functions and methods. $_GET, $_POST, $_SERVER, and many others are examples. These variables allow you to get information about the current request.

Q: What are the advantages of using the PUT method over the POST method?
A: The PUT technique is handy when you want to update an existing resource rather than create a new one. Furthermore, numerous PUT requests have the same impact as one, but multiple POST requests make many copies of the same resource.

Q: What is the purpose of the OPTIONS method?
A: The OPTIONS method is used to retrieve the allowed methods for a specific resource. It is not used as frequently as the other methods, but it can be useful for checking what methods are supported by a server or resource.

Q: How can I handle HEAD requests in PHP?
A: PHP does not have a built-in way for processing HEAD requests, however the cURL package can help.

Q: Can GET requests be used to modify data on the server?
A: No, GET requests can only be used to retrieve data and cannot be used to modify it.

Q: Are there any limitations on the data length when using the GET method?
A: Yes, GET requests have a maximum length of 1024 characters.

Q: Is the POST method more secure than the GET method?
A: Yes, POST method is considered more secure as it does not send data in the URL, which is visible to the user.

Q: What is the use of DELETE method?
A: DELETE method is used to delete a resource from the server. It is a straightforward method that requires only the URL of the resource to be deleted.

Exercises:

1. What is the most commonly used HTTP request method in PHP?
2. How can you retrieve data from a form submitted using the GET method in PHP?
3. What is the purpose of the POST method in PHP?
4. How can you check which request method was used to access a PHP script?
5. What is the difference between the GET and POST methods in PHP?

Answers:

1. The most commonly used HTTP request method in PHP is the GET method.
2. You can retrieve data from a form submitted using the GET method in PHP using the $_GET superglobal variable.
3. The purpose of the POST method in PHP is to submit data to the server for processing, such as when submitting a form or uploading a file.
4. You can check which request method was used to access a PHP script using the $_SERVER[‘REQUEST_METHOD’] variable.
5. The main difference between the GET and POST methods in PHP is that the GET method appends the data to the URL, making it visible to the user, whereas the POST method sends the data in the message body, making it more secure and not visible to the user.