What is it?
POST is an HTTP method commonly used to send data to a server.
It is often used to create a new resource or start an action.
Simple Definition: POST sends data to create or submit something.
Software Knowledge → 03 · HTTP & APIs → POST
PART III · HTTP & APIs
POST
An HTTP method commonly used to create or submit data.
Think of it like...
Think of POST as submitting a new form.
You provide information.
The system processes it and creates or starts something.
Client
→
POST Data
→
Server
→
Process
→
New Result
What does it do?
POST is commonly used to:
Create RecordsAdd a new resource to a system.
Submit FormsSend collected form data for processing.
Create OrdersStart a new order or transaction.
Upload DataSend files or structured data.
Start ActionsAsk the backend to begin a process.
Send MessagesSubmit a message to a service.
Where is it used?
POST requests are commonly used in:
Registration
Login
Order Creation
Payments
File Upload
Form Submission
API Actions
Example
POST /api/orders
Request Body:
{
"customer_id": 2001,
"quantity": 10
}Meaning: Create a new order using the submitted data.
Flow
Frontend → POST /api/orders → Backend → Create Order → Response
How it connects
Client→POST→Endpoint→Request Body→Backend→Business Logic→Database→Response
POST often carries data in the request body for the backend to process.
Do Not Confuse
POST
Usually sends data to create or submit something.
GET
Usually retrieves existing data.
POST = Send / Create
GET = Retrieve
Topic Glossary
| English Term | 中文 | Simple English | 中文小白理解 |
|---|---|---|---|
| POST | 创建 / 提交 | An HTTP method commonly used to create or submit data. | 通常用于创建数据或提交操作的 HTTP 方法。 |
| Request Body | 请求体 | The main data sent inside a POST request. | POST 请求中真正携带的主要数据。 |
| Create | 创建 | Adding a new resource to a system. | 在系统中新增一条数据或资源。 |
| Submit | 提交 | Sending data or an action to a system for processing. | 将数据或操作发送给系统处理。 |
| Resource | 资源 | The object or data created by the request. | POST 请求创建的数据或业务对象。 |
| Endpoint | 接口地址 | The API address receiving the POST request. | 接收 POST 请求的 API 地址。 |
| JSON | JSON 数据格式 | A common format for POST request data. | POST 请求中常用的结构化数据格式。 |
| Backend | 后端 | The software that processes the submitted request. | 处理 POST 请求和业务规则的软件部分。 |
| Response | 响应 | The result returned after the POST request is processed. | POST 请求处理完成后返回的结果。 |
| Database | 数据库 | A system where newly created data may be stored. | 新创建的数据可能最终保存到的系统。 |
What to Remember
POST sends data to a server.
POST is commonly used to create or submit something.
POST often carries data in the request body.
POST→Process Data→Create / Submit