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HTML5 <form> method Attribute

HTML5 form Tag Reference HTML5 <form> tag

Example

Submit a form using the "post" method:

<form action="demo_post.asp" method="post">
  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 »

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 the HTTP method to use when the form is submitted (the form-data is sent to the page specified in the action attribute).

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

Differences Between HTML 4.01 and HTML5

None.

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

HTML5 form Tag Reference HTML5 <form> tag
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