If you are entering the world of web programming, you have surely heard about the GET and POST methods in PHP. These two HTTP verbs are essential for the interaction between the client and the server. In this article, we'll explore the differences between GET and POST, as well as best practices for using them correctly in your PHP projects.
What is GET in PHP?
GET is a method used to send data to the server via URL. In other words, when you use GET, the parameters and their values are added to the end of the URL. For example, if you have a page called "index.php" and you want to send the value "123" for the "id" parameter, the URL would look like this: "https://your-site.com/index.php?id =123".
GET is useful when you want to obtain information or perform queries without modifying the data on the server. However, you should keep in mind that the parameters and their values are displayed in the URL, so it is not recommended to use GET to send sensitive information, such as passwords or personal data.
In PHP, data sent via GET is available in the superglobal $_GET. You can access them using their parameter name, e.g. $_GET['id'].
What is POST in PHP?
POST, on the other hand, is a method used to send data to the server through the body of the HTTP request. This means that the data is not displayed in the URL, making it safer for sending sensitive information.
When using POST, data is sent more discreetly and is not displayed in the browser history. For example, if you have a registration form on your website, it is advisable to use POST to send the data to the server.
In PHP, data sent via POST is available in the superglobal $_POST. You can access them using their parameter name, e.g. $_POST['username'] o $_POST['password'].
When to use GET and POST in PHP?
The choice between GET and POST depends on the context and needs of your application. Here we leave you some recommendations:
– Use GET when you want to obtain information from the server without modifying data. It is useful for searching or querying.
– Use POST when you want to send data to the server that could modify its state or perform sensitive operations, such as registration and login.
Better practices
In addition to choosing between GET and POST depending on your needs, here are some best practices to keep in mind when working with these methods in PHP:
1. Do not use GET to send sensitive information. Instead, use POST to keep the data private.
2. Always validate the data sent from the client. Never trust data submitted directly by the user.
3. Use the correct method when defining HTML forms. Specifically, use the "method" attribute with the value "GET" or "POST" depending on your needs.
4. Clean and filter the received data before using it in your application. This will prevent possible security attacks.
Frequently asked questions
Is it safe to use GET to send passwords?
No, it is not safe to use GET to send passwords. The GET parameters are displayed in the URL and can be viewed by third parties. Use POST to keep sensitive information secure.
What is the difference between $_GET and $_POST?
The main difference between $_GET y $_POST in PHP it is how data is sent. $_GET stores the data sent through the GET method, while $_POST stores the data sent through the POST method.
What is the maximum length of data sent via GET and POST?
The maximum length of data sent via GET depends on the server. In most cases, the limit is usually around 2048 characters. On the other hand, the maximum length of data sent via POST also depends on the server, but is usually longer than that of GET.
In summary, GET and POST are important methods in PHP for communication between the client and the server. Use GET when you need to obtain information without modifying data and POST when you need to send sensitive information or make changes to the server. Always remember to validate and filter the data received to guarantee the security of your application. We hope this article has been useful to you!
English 
Spanish