In web development, what is the difference between sending data with the HTTP GET method and sending data with the HTTP POST method when used from an HTML form or PHP script?

Introduction / Context:
HTTP defines several methods for sending requests from clients to servers. In web development, GET and POST are the most commonly used methods for submitting form data and interacting with server side scripts. Understanding the differences between these methods is essential for designing secure, efficient, and user friendly web applications. This question focuses on how data is transmitted and what typical use cases are recommended for each method.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• We are dealing with HTTP GET and HTTP POST methods.
• The context includes HTML forms and server side processing with languages such as PHP.
• We want to contrast where data is placed in the request and how the methods are typically used.
• We assume standard web browser behaviour and typical server configurations.

Concept / Approach:
GET requests include data in the URL as a query string. This makes the data visible in the browser address bar and in logs, and it is subject to length limits imposed by browsers and servers. GET is generally used for safe, idempotent operations, such as retrieving pages or filtering search results. POST requests send data in the request body, not in the URL. This allows larger payloads and is more appropriate for forms that create or update resources, such as logins, registrations, or file uploads. However, neither method encrypts data by itself; encryption depends on using HTTPS.

Step-by-Step Solution:
1. Recall that GET encodes form parameters in the query string, which becomes part of the URL. 2. Understand that this makes GET parameters visible and easily bookmarked but also exposes them in browser history and logs. 3. Remember that POST places form data in the request body, which is not displayed in the URL, allowing larger and more complex submissions. 4. Recognize that GET is recommended for read only operations, while POST is recommended for operations that change server state. 5. Choose the option that accurately reflects these characteristics without claiming that one method automatically encrypts data.

Verification / Alternative check:
You can verify these behaviours by submitting a simple form using GET and examining the URL, which will show the field names and values. Submitting a similar form using POST will not change the URL, although developer tools will show the data in the request body. Also, when you bookmark a GET request, the query string is preserved, but a POST request cannot be bookmarked in the same way, which aligns with the different usage patterns described in the correct answer.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Option B is wrong because neither GET nor POST provides encryption on its own; encryption depends on the use of HTTPS.
• Option C is wrong because both methods can be used with HTML forms, and POST is not limited to file uploads.
• Option D is wrong because GET and POST are HTTP concepts supported across many languages and frameworks, not only PHP or JavaScript.

Common Pitfalls:
Developers sometimes misuse GET for actions that modify data, such as deleting records, which can lead to problems with caching, bookmarking, and unwanted repeated actions. Another pitfall is assuming that POST is secure just because data is not visible in the URL; in reality, security requires proper use of HTTPS and server side validation. Understanding these differences helps you choose the appropriate method, design APIs correctly, and avoid unintended side effects.

Final Answer:
The correct statement is GET appends form data to the URL in the query string and is suitable for idempotent requests, while POST sends data in the request body and is better for sensitive or larger submissions, because this accurately summarizes the main practical differences between the two HTTP methods in web development.