2.3 - Example: POST Request

201

print(response.json())
📚 Long Summary
🔸 What is a POST Request?
A POST request sends data to the server for creating/updating resources.

Data is sent in the body of the request, often in JSON or form-encoded format.

Not idempotent — sending the same request twice may result in two resources.

🔸 Syntax and Parameters
python

requests.post(url, data=None, json=None, headers=None, timeout=None)
data: Dictionary for form-encoded data (application/x-www-form-urlencoded)

json: Dictionary for JSON payload (automatically sets correct Content-Type)

headers: Custom headers

timeout: Request timeout in seconds

🔸 Example with JSON Payload
python

import requests

new_post = {"title": "New Post", "body": "Example content", "userId": 2}
response = requests.post("https://jsonplaceholder.typicode.com/posts", json=new_post)

print(response.status_code) # Should be 201
print(response.json()) # See created object
🔸 Error Handling
python

try:
response = requests.post(url, json=data, timeout=10)
response.raise_for_status()
except requests.exceptions.RequestException as e:
print("Request failed:", e)

When should you use a POST request instead of GET?

Answer: When you want to send data to the server, such as creating a resource.

Hint: It usually modifies server state.

How do you send JSON data in a POST request using requests?

Answer: Use the json keyword argument.

Hint: Avoid data=json.dumps(...) unless manually setting headers.

What status code indicates successful creation from a POST request?

Answer: 201 Created.

Hint: Different from 200 OK.

What’s the difference between data and json in a POST request?

Answer: data sends form-encoded data, json sends a JSON body.

Hint: json automatically sets content type headers.