17.13.1 Form submission method The method attribute of the FORM element specifies the HTTP method used to send the form to the processing agent. This attribute may take two values: get: With the HTTP "get" method, the form data set [p.233] is appended to the URI specified by the action attribute and this new URI is sent to the processing agent. post: With the HTTP "post" method, the form data set [p.233] is included in the body of the form and sent to the processing agent. The "get" method should be used when the form is idempotent (i.e., causes no side-effects). Many ^^^^^^^^^^ This is not my understanding of idempotent, and I believe the parenthesized definition better matches the intended meaning. I understand idempotent to mean that a repeat of the operation results in no further change, but that the first use may produce side effects. I.e set the thermostat to 20 degrees C is idempotent, turn it up 5 degrees is not, and tell me what it is set to is the sort of operation that can safely be done with GET. database searches have no visible side-effects and make ideal applications for the "get" method. -- David Woolley - Office: David Woolley <djw@bts.co.uk> BTS Home: <david@djwhome.demon.co.uk> Wallington TQ 2887 6421 England 51 21' 44" N, 00 09' 01" W (WGS 84)Received on Thursday, 5 March 1998 14:44:32 GMT
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