The key difference between POST and PUT in HTTP lies in their purpose and behavior:
- POST: Used to create a new resource. It submits data to a server, and the server determines the resource’s URL. It is not idempotent, meaning multiple identical POST requests can result in multiple resources being created. Example: Submitting a form.
- PUT: Used to update or create a resource at a specific URL. The client specifies the resource’s URL, and if it exists, it is updated; otherwise, a new resource is created. PUT is idempotent, meaning repeated requests produce the same result.
Both involve sending data but differ in intent and URL handling.