Sending payload in an HTTP GET request

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In this video, I debunk the myth that you cannot send data in an HTTP GET request. While it's not recommended, it's indeed possible as per the HTTP 1.1 specifications. I explain how web servers can process data in the request payload and demonstrate it with a simple Python Flask example. I discuss how popular tools like Elasticsearch used HTTP GET requests for complex queries in the past. Although not encouraged, sending data in an HTTP GET request is feasible, but caution should be exercised due to potential compatibility issues with older implementations.

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[pbakshi]

An interesting fact: Postman actually allows you to send request body when using GET.

[akshatgoel]

To add to your browser example where client is not able to send request body in GET, if you depend on GET with request body (for example for search), you should also implement other methods (POST in most cases) to be compatible with client implementations which don't allow sending request body using GET. Elasticsearch allows both GET and POST for the search API example above for same reason.

[gauravgupta]

Very detailed and informative. Thank you.

[pawanmahalle]

Great information! I have used POST to get information when inputs are complex though semantically it is awkward :) I am going to evaluate my options based on this information now. Thanks!

[scoopedcontent]

I have made a habit of watching atleast 1 video of yours daily, enjoying each bit of your videos!

[shreyas_._]

The knowledge is not new, but when you said it .... 🔥

[ishanmay]

great info, before we use post for complex get request

[coincidentIndia]

unknowingly the fact, we are using post method to get the Okta Token and pass the Token to other API to post the body. We have to change the conviction. AWS API gateway support sending the key, value pair ??

[venkatapavankumarsannisett]

Elastic search is popular in this scenario where we use get request with payload.

[notKnown]

this is something that I was curious about for a while...thanks Arpit!
Keep doing great work as always :)
#AsliEngineering

[anshul_eie]

Super interesting. Never paid attention to the fact that elastic search uses request body with GET. Now that I have a hammer, I am going to look for the nail. :smile:

[skt]

but sending the payload in body instead of query params in case of GET call would lead to REST INCOMPLIANCY right?

[shubhamvashishtha]

which note making app do you use arpit sir?

[amitpathak]

Great content, would like add one point.
With http get there's a limit with payload content, usually one of the reason why POST verb is suggested !

[techdemy]

It was really informative but now I have one question it may sound a little stupid but Why are different HTTP methods present. Can't we handle all requests using GET only then we are able to send payload in GET request

[SorFig]

Use ASGI and this whole problem vanishes.