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HTML <form> method Attribute

HTML form Tag Reference HTML <form> tag

Example

Submit a form using the "get" method:

<form action="form_action.asp" method="get">
  First name: <input type="text" name="fname" /><br />
  Last name: <input type="text" name="lname" /><br />
  <input type="submit" value="Submit" />
</form>

Try it yourself »
(more examples at the bottom of this page)

Browser Support

Internet Explorer Firefox Opera Google Chrome Safari

The method attribute is supported in all major browsers.

Definition and Usage

The method attribute specifies how to send form-data (the form-data is sent to the page specified in the action attribute).

The form-data can be sent as URL variables (with method="get") or as HTTP post (with method="post").

Notes on the "get" method:

  • This method appends the form-data to the URL in name/value pairs
  • This method is useful for form submissions where a user want to bookmark the result
  • There is a limit to how much data you can place in a URL (varies between browsers), therefore, you cannot be sure that all of the form-data will be correctly transferred
  • Never use the "get" method to pass sensitive information! (password or other sensitive information will be visible in the browser's address bar)

Notes on the "post" method:

  • This method sends the form-data as an HTTP post transaction
  • Form submissions with the "post" method cannot be bookmarked
  • The "post" method is more robust and secure than "get", and "post" does not have size limitations

Syntax

<form method="get|post">

Attribute Values

Value Description
get Default. Appends the form-data to the URL in name/value pairs: URL?name=value&name=value
post Sends the form-data as an HTTP post transaction

Examples

Try it Yourself - Examples

Submit a form using the "post" method
Send form data with the "post" method.

HTML form Tag Reference HTML <form> tag
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