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HTML method Attribute


Definition and Usage

The method attribute specifies how to send form-data (the form-data is sent to the page specified in the action attribute).

The form-data can be sent as URL variables (with method="get") or as HTTP post transaction (with method="post").

Notes on GET:

  • Appends form-data into the URL in name/value pairs
  • The length of a URL is limited (about 3000 characters)
  • Never use GET to send sensitive data! (will be visible in the URL)
  • Useful for form submissions where a user want to bookmark the result
  • GET is better for non-secure data, like query strings in Google

Notes on POST:

  • Appends form-data inside the body of the HTTP request (data is not shown is in URL)
  • Has no size limitations
  • Form submissions with POST cannot be bookmarked

Applies to

The method attribute can be used on the following element:

Element Attribute
<form> method

Example

Example

Submit a form using the "get" method:

<form action="/action_page.php" method="get">
  First name: <input type="text" name="fname"><br>
  Last name: <input type="text" name="lname"><br>
  <input type="submit" value="Submit">
</form>
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Browser Support

Attribute
method Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes