Express req.method Property

Posted in Express Tutorial

Updated on Feb 18, 2024

By Mari Selvan

👁️ 30 - Views

⏳ 4 mins

💬 1 Comment

Photo Credit to CodeToFun

🙋 Introduction

In the world of web development, understanding the HTTP methods used in requests is crucial for building effective and secure applications.

Express.js, a powerful web application framework for Node.js, provides the req.method property, allowing developers to access the HTTP request method.

In this guide, we'll explore the syntax, usage, and practical examples of req.method in Express.js.

💡 Syntax

Accessing the HTTP request method using req.method is straightforward:

syntax.js

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const method = req.method;

req: xyz.
method: xyz.

❓ How req.method Works

The req.method property provides insight into the HTTP method used in the incoming request. This information is valuable when you need to tailor your server's behavior based on the type of request, whether it's a GET, POST, PUT, DELETE, or another HTTP method.

example.js

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app.get('/example', (req, res) => {
  const requestMethod = req.method;
  res.send(`Received a ${requestMethod} request at /example`);
});

In this example, the req.method property is used to determine the HTTP method of the incoming request and respond accordingly.

📚 Use Cases

Route Handling Based on Method:

Use req.method to conditionally handle different HTTP methods for a specific route.

example.js

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app.all('/api/data', (req, res) => {
  if (req.method === 'GET') {
    // Handle GET request
    res.send('Fetching data');
  } else if (req.method === 'POST') {
    // Handle POST request
    res.send('Submitting data');
  } else {
    // Handle other methods
    res.status(405).send('Method Not Allowed');
  }
});

Logging HTTP Methods:

Leverage req.method for logging purposes, gaining insights into the types of requests your server is receiving.
example.js
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```
app.use((req, res, next) => {
  console.log(`Received a ${req.method} request at ${req.path}`);
  next();
});
```

🏆 Best Practices

Use Conditional Statements:

Employ conditional statements to check the value of req.method and execute different logic based on the HTTP method.
example.js
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```
if (req.method === 'PUT') {
  // Handle PUT request
} else if (req.method === 'DELETE') {
  // Handle DELETE request
}
```
Be Mindful of Security:

Consider security implications when using req.method. Ensure that sensitive operations are appropriately restricted to specific HTTP methods.
example.js
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```
app.post('/delete-account', (req, res) => {
  // Ensure this route is only accessible via POST for security reasons
  // Handle account deletion logic
});
```

🎉 Conclusion

The req.method property in Express.js provides a valuable tool for developers to determine the HTTP method of incoming requests. By incorporating req.method into your route handling and middleware, you can create more dynamic and secure Express.js applications.

Now, equipped with knowledge about req.method, enhance your Express.js projects by tailoring your server's behavior to different HTTP request methods!