🔗 PHP GET & POST – Handling Client Data in Web Requests

Master the use of GET and POST methods in PHP to safely transfer user data from web forms and URLs to your server.

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🧲 Introduction – Why GET & POST Matter in PHP

One of the most fundamental features of PHP is its ability to handle user-submitted data. Whether you’re submitting a form, updating a record, or filtering search results, you’ll likely use the GET or POST HTTP method. These determine how data is transferred between the browser and your server-side script.

🎯 In this guide, you’ll learn:

• The difference between GET and POST methods
• When and how to use each method in PHP
• Accessing user data using superglobals
• Security tips for working with client-submitted input

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🌐 HTTP Methods – GET vs POST

Method	Characteristics	Best Use Case
GET	Appends data in the URL (visible, bookmarked)	Search queries, filters, short links
POST	Sends data in the request body (hidden)	Form submissions, login, file uploads

📌 While both can send data to the server, POST is safer for sensitive information like passwords.

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🧪 PHP GET Method

When using the GET method, the browser appends the form data to the URL as query parameters.

<form method="get" action="search.php">
  <input name="q" placeholder="Search...">
  <input type="submit" value="Go">
</form>

In search.php, you retrieve the query:

$search = $_GET['q'];
echo "You searched for: $search";

➡️ GET makes it easy to bookmark or share links that include input values.

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✅ PHP POST Method

The POST method sends data invisibly via the request body:

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

In login.php, retrieve submitted values:

$user = $_POST['username'];
$pass = $_POST['password'];

➡️ POST is used for secure and sensitive data that should not appear in URLs.

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🔄 Accessing Form Data in PHP

Superglobal	Usage	Example
$_GET	Data passed in URL query string	$_GET['id']
$_POST	Data passed in POST request	$_POST['email']
$_REQUEST	Contains both GET & POST	$_REQUEST['field']

🔒 Avoid using $_REQUEST in modern secure apps. Use $_GET or $_POST explicitly.

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🧼 Sanitizing GET and POST Data

Always clean and validate user input to prevent attacks like XSS or injection.

$name = htmlspecialchars($_POST['name']);
$search = filter_var($_GET['q'], FILTER_SANITIZE_STRING);

✅ Always validate:

• Email: FILTER_VALIDATE_EMAIL
• URL: FILTER_VALIDATE_URL
• Numbers: FILTER_VALIDATE_INT, FILTER_VALIDATE_FLOAT

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📤 Using GET for Dynamic Links

Example: Creating dynamic pagination or filters:

<a href="products.php?page=2&category=books">Next Page</a>

In products.php:

$page = $_GET['page'];
$category = $_GET['category'];

✅ GET is ideal for search filters, category selection, pagination, and sharable URLs.

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🚫 Common Mistakes to Avoid

• ❌ Using GET to send sensitive passwords
• ❌ Not sanitizing GET or POST input
• ❌ Using $_REQUEST without knowing the source
• ❌ Assuming a field is always present — use isset()

Example:

if (isset($_POST['email'])) {
    echo htmlspecialchars($_POST['email']);
}

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📌 Summary – Recap & Next Steps

GET and POST are the backbone of user input in web apps. GET is used for retrievable, sharable data, while POST handles secure, form-based data. Both require proper validation and sanitation to keep your application secure and user-friendly.

🔍 Key Takeaways:

• Use GET for read-only actions and URLs with parameters
• Use POST for sensitive data and database-altering actions
• Access data via $_GET, $_POST — not $_REQUEST
• Always validate and sanitize incoming data

⚙️ Real-World Use Cases:
Search bars, login forms, contact forms, registration systems, URL filters

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❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

❓ When should I use POST instead of GET?
✅ Use POST when dealing with sensitive or private data like passwords, payments, or database updates.

❓ Can I use both GET and POST in one form?
❌ Not directly. Forms can only use one method at a time, but you can mix methods across multiple forms on the same page.

❓ Is data sent via POST encrypted?
🔐 No, not by default. Use HTTPS to ensure data encryption during transmission.

❓ How do I know which method was used in PHP?
✅ Use $_SERVER['REQUEST_METHOD']:

if ($_SERVER['REQUEST_METHOD'] === 'POST') {
  // Handle POST
}

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