HTTP Request Structure
An HTTP request consists of a method, target URI, protocol version, headers, and optionally a body.
POST /api/users HTTP/1.1
Host: api.example.com
Content-Type: application/json
Authorization: Bearer eyJ...
{
"name": "Suriya",
"email": "suriya@example.com"
}
The method communicates the intended operation. Headers carry metadata. The body carries representation data when appropriate.
The URL itself can contain a path and query string. For example, /users/42?include=orders identifies user 42 while providing an optional query parameter.
Raw HTTP Request
GET /api/users/42?include=orders HTTP/1.1
Host: api.example.com
Accept: application/json
Authorization: Bearer TOKEN💡 The request asks the server for user 42 and indicates that orders should also be included.
Key Takeaways
- Methods express intent.
- Headers carry metadata.
- The body carries representation data.
- Query parameters modify retrieval or filtering behavior.