How to use Requests to make a simple HTTP GET request

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by vinitha@openweaver.com dot icon Updated: Aug 10, 2023

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An HTTP request is a message sent by a client (such as a web browser) to a server, following the rules of the HTTP Protocol. Users use it to request specific resources or perform actions on the server. In Python, you can work with HTTP requests by requests library.   

  

Here's an overview of how Python HTTP requests are using the requests library:    

  • Install the requests library.   
  • Import requests module.   
  • Send an HTTP GET request.   
  • Send other types of HTTP requests.   

  

HTTP supports several types of requests, each serving a different purpose. Here are the commonly used types of HTTP request methods:   

  • You use the GET request to retrieve data or resources from a server. It is a safe and idempotent operation, meaning it should not modify any server state. It sends the request parameters as part of the specified URL.   
  • The client uses the POST request to send data to the server for creating or modifying resources. Repeated identical POST requests may result in different outcomes. The request body sends the data.   
  • You use the PUT request to send data to the server to update or replace an existing resource. It replaces the entire resource with the data provided in the request. Like POST, it is not idempotent.   
  • The client sends form data to the server using the PATCH request. This updates an existing resource partially. It applies changes to the resource rather than replacing it entirely. The request body contains only the changes to be made. Like POST and PUT, it is not idempotent.   
  • The client uses the DELETE request to request the server to delete a specified resource. It removes the resource from the server. It is not idempotent.   
  • The HEAD request is like GET but only retrieves the response headers.   

   

When you make an HTTP request, you can add different parameters to customize it and give more details. The main parameters include the URL, request method, headers, and request body. In Python, you can make HTTP requests in different ways.  

  

You can make HTTP requests in two ways:  

  • Use the built-in http.Client library or  
  • Create custom HTTP clients with external libraries.  

  

There are several ways to make HTTP requests: 

  • Built-in HTTP.Client, 
  • urllib, 
  • requests library, 
  • python-requests libraries, and 
  • Custom HTTP clients.   

  

HTTP requests are an integral part of interacting with web servers and APIs. Python provides different options for executing HTTP requests, each with its characteristics.   


Here the example of How to use Requests to make a simple HTTP GET request.

Fig: Preview of the output that you will get on running this code from your IDE

Code

In this solution we are using python request library

Instructions

Follow the steps carefully to get the output easily.


  1. Download and Install the PyCharm Community Edition on your computer.
  2. Open the terminal and install the required libraries with the following commands.
  3. Install requests - pip install requests
  4. Create a new Python file on your IDE.
  5. Copy the snippet using the 'copy' button and paste it into your Python file.
  6. Remove the last 2 lines of code for better understanding.
  7. Run the current file to generate the output.


I hope you found this useful.


I found this code snippet by searching for " Sending get request using python-requests "in Kandi. You can try any such use case!

Environment Tested

I tested this solution in the following versions. Be mindful of changes when working with other versions.

  1. PyCharm Community Edition 2023.1
  2. The solution is created in Python 3.11.1 Version
  3. requests 2.31.0 Version



Using this solution, we can able to use Requests to make a simple HTTP GET request with simple steps. This process also facilities an easy way to use, hassle-free method to create a hands-on working version of code which would help us to use Requests to make a simple HTTP GET request .

Dependent Library

requestsby psf

Python doticonstar image 49787 doticonVersion:v2.31.0doticon
License: Permissive (Apache-2.0)

A simple, yet elegant, HTTP library.

Support
    Quality
      Security
        License
          Reuse

            requestsby psf

            Python doticon star image 49787 doticonVersion:v2.31.0doticon License: Permissive (Apache-2.0)

            A simple, yet elegant, HTTP library.
            Support
              Quality
                Security
                  License
                    Reuse

                      You can search for any dependent library on kandi like "requests".

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                      FAQ:   

                      1. What is the Python Requests library? How is it different from the Python Standard Library?   

                      The Python Requests library is a popular third-party library. It simplifies the process of making HTTP requests in Python. It provides an easy-to-use and intuitive API for interacting with web services. Handling HTTP methods, headers, cookies, and other aspects of HTTP communication.  

                        

                      Here's how the Requests library is different from the Standard Library's built-in modules:  

                      • Ease of Use   
                      • High-Level Abstractions   
                      • Rich Ecosystem and Community   
                      • Cross-Platform Compatibility   

                        

                      2. How are status codes used to interpret HTTP protocol in Python?   

                      Status codes are an integral part of the HTTP protocol. The outcome of an HTTP request communicates using it. You can use the requests library and other modules to understand status codes.  

                        

                      Here's how status codes are typically used to interpret the HTTP protocol in Python:   

                      • Retrieving the Status Code   
                      • Interpreting Status Codes   

                        

                      3. What is the requests module used for in HTTP responses?   

                      The requests module in Python handles the response from the server after an HTTP request. The requests module has many functions for accessing, interpreting, and manipulating HTTP responses.  

                        

                      Here are some common uses of the request module in HTTP responses:   

                      • Accessing Response Data   
                      • Retrieving Response Headers   
                      • Interpreting Response Status Code   
                      • Handling Cookies   

                        

                      4. How can I learn more about making API requests with a Python tutorial?   

                      You can explore various resources to learn about making API requests with Python. Here are some recommended steps to help you get started:   

                      • Start by referring to the official documentation of the request's library.   
                      • Explore online Python tutorials that specifically focus on making API requests.   
                      • Video tutorials are useful for visually learning how to make API requests in Python.   
                      • Enrolling in online courses that provide deep coverage of API requests in Python.   
                      • Explore GitHub repositories and code examples related to Python API requests.   

                         

                      5. What are some of the best practices when working with HTTP clients in Python?   

                      Here are some best practices when working with HTTP clients in Python are:   

                      • Use a Well-Maintained Library   
                      • Handle Errors and Exceptions   
                      • Implement Connection Pooling   
                      • Handle Timeouts   
                      • Use Secure Connections (HTTPS)   

                      See similar Kits and Libraries