Which method is used to create a new record in an API?

In API interactions, the method used to create a new record is POST. This method is specifically designed for sending data to the server to create a resource or a record. When a client sends an HTTP POST request, it typically includes the data needed for the new record in the request body, and the server processes this request to create a new resource based on the provided data.

POST is the standard method for creating resources because it allows for the submission of complex data structures and is not idempotent, meaning each request can generate a new resource—unlike some other methods that might update or retrieve existing resources.

The other HTTP methods serve different purposes. GET is used for retrieving resources without modifying them. PATCH is intended for making partial updates to an existing resource, while PUT is used for replacing an entire resource with a new version. Knowing the specific function of each method is essential for understanding how to effectively interact with APIs in various scenarios.