The World of CRUD: Understanding HTTP Methods for Web Development
Tags: http, database, crud, webdev
Published: 2023-02-27 11:54:01

When it comes to web development, understanding the Request-Response cycle and the role of HTTP methods is crucial. In this article, we'll explore the basics of the Request-Response cycle, the HTTP protocol, and the CRUD operations associated with HTTP methods. This knowledge forms the foundation for building robust web applications.

**The Request-Response Cycle**:
At its core, the Request-Response cycle is the process of communication between a client (such as a browser) and a server. The client sends a request to the server, which then processes the request and generates a response. The response is then sent back to the client, where it is rendered on the browser.

**HTTP: The Language of the Web**:
HTTP (HyperText Transfer Protocol) is the language used for communication between clients and servers. It enables fetching resources and exchanging data. HTTP operates within the architectural style called REST (Representational State Transfer), which provides a standardized approach to building web applications.

**Understanding CRUD Operations**:
CRUD is an acronym for Create, Read, Update, and Delete - four fundamental operations used to manipulate data in a system. These operations align with the HTTP methods and form the basis for interacting with a relational database.

![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/8mnjxm8dqf2fsq9ax27j.png) 

---
## GET: Read/Retrieve
![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/buas5t82rcywmaqvho81.png)


The GET method is used to retrieve a representation of a resource from the server. It does not modify any resources. When a client sends a GET request, the server responds with the requested data.

---


## POST: Create

![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/7wjts295ebl5kubdboj7.png)


The POST method is used to send data to the server to create a new resource. When a client sends a POST request, the server processes the data and creates the requested resource.

---


## PATCH: Update

![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/8v8swwq1ejv63gmly6uu.png)


The PATCH method is used to update an existing resource on the server. It involves sending data that represents the changes to be made to the resource. The server then applies those changes to the specified resource.

---


## DELETE: Destroy

![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/5p8zxp0mbohixx85gcdw.png)


The DELETE method is used to remove an existing resource from the server. When a client sends a DELETE request, the server identifies and deletes the specified resource.



> ![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/ha2629r6eombzkvzp6lp.png)
> - 
> To confirm your resource has been deleted, send a `GET` request to that specific endpoint. Your response should be `null`.

---

In web development, the Request-Response cycle, HTTP methods, and CRUD operations play a vital role. Understanding how these components work together is essential for building efficient and robust applications. The GET method retrieves data, the POST method creates new resources, the PATCH method updates existing resources, and the DELETE method removes resources. 


Happy coding!