Unlocking PHP Basics: What Is GET and POST Method in PHP?

Hello there, welcome! I’m Somen, a PHP developer with years of hands-on experience in crafting web applications. Whether you’re just starting your coding journey or brushing up on foundational knowledge, today you’re in the right place. Let’s unlock the basics of PHP together—specifically, we'll dive into two powerful methods every PHP developer uses: GET and POST. If you’ve ever wondered what is get and post method in php, stick with me! By the end, you’ll not only understand the difference but also how and when to use each in real-world scenarios.

What This Is About: Demystifying GET and POST in PHP

When you build web applications with PHP, one of the first things you’ll encounter is how to handle user input from forms. That’s where the GET and POST methods step in. Think of them as the primary ways your website “talks” to itself or your server when someone fills out a form, clicks a link, or sends data.

• GET: Retrieves data from the server, usually by attaching information in the URL. Like asking a question where everyone can see your query.
• POST: Sends data to the server, usually in a more hidden, secure way—imagine passing a secret note instead of shouting across the room.

These methods form the backbone of how web pages interact with back-end code, making them essential for every budding PHP developer to master.

Why PHP Developers Should Care

Understanding GET and POST isn't just about passing exams or tutorials—it directly affects how your website works, how secure it is, and even how user-friendly it feels. Choosing the right method for the right task can protect sensitive data, optimize your site for search engines, and even influence site speed and usability.

Let me give you an analogy. Imagine you’re mailing a postcard (GET) versus a sealed envelope (POST). A postcard’s message is open for anyone to read, while an envelope keeps your note private. That's the key difference PHP developers need to keep in mind, especially as they work on sites that handle user logins, financial data, or private messages.

How to Use GET and POST in PHP

How GET Works: Asking for Information

Let’s say you have a search form. When you use the GET method, the form's data—like the searched term—appears in the URL after a ? mark. Here’s a basic example:

<form method="get" action="search.php">
  <input type="text" name="query">
  <input type="submit" value="Search">
</form>

When someone types "PHP tips" and clicks Search, the browser sends them to:

search.php?query=PHP+tips

Then, in your search.php file, you can retrieve the info like this:

<?php
echo "You searched for: " . $_GET['query'];
?>

Here, $_GET is a special PHP "superglobal" variable that grabs data sent via GET. Superglobals are like secret agents—always available, anywhere in your PHP script!

How POST Works: Sending Secure Information

If you need to handle private data, like a password or payment details, POST is your friend. Data sent via POST isn’t shown in the URL, keeping it safer from prying eyes. Here’s what your login form might look like:

<form method="post" action="login.php">
  <input type="text" name="username">
  <input type="password" name="password">
  <input type="submit" value="Login">
</form>

Now, in login.php, you’ll access the form data using $_POST:

<?php
$username = $_POST['username'];
$password = $_POST['password'];
// Now verify credentials...
?>

See how the mechanics are similar, but the data path is more secure? That’s why you’ll use POST for things like account registration, payments, or any sensitive submissions.

When Should You Use GET vs POST?

• GET: When your action is safe and doesn’t change server data. Examples include search forms, filtering, or sharing links.
• POST: When you’re updating, deleting, or sending sensitive information—think registration forms, updating user profiles, or posting messages.

If you're aiming for better SEO or allowing users to bookmark a search, GET is handy because the URL shows the search query. For privacy and handling large amounts of data, POST is the clear choice.

Conclusion

So, what is get and post method in php? In short, they are the essential ways your forms and web pages send and receive information from your PHP scripts. While GET makes data public and is perfect for non-sensitive queries, POST tucks data safely out of sight for more secure handling. Mastery of these methods is a small step that leads to big confidence in your PHP projects—and it’s something every great developer knows inside out.

If you’ve found this guide helpful and want to dig deeper into web forms, security, and PHP best practices, browse some of our expert blog posts. Stay curious and keep coding—you’re building great things, one method at a time!

Written by Somen from MATSEOTOOLS