Do I need a content-type header for HTTP GET requests

content-typegethttp

As far as I understood there are two places where to set the content type:

  1. The client sets a content type for the body he is sending to the server (e.g. for post)
  2. The server sets a content type for the response.

Does this mean I don't have to or should not set a content type for all my get requests (client side). And if I can or should what content type would that be?

Also I read in a few posts that the content type of the client specifies what type of content the client would like to receive. So maybe my point 1 is not right?

Best Answer

According to the RFC 7231 section 3.1.5.5:

A sender that generates a message containing a payload body SHOULD generate a Content-Type header field in that message unless the intended media type of the enclosed representation is unknown to the sender. If a Content-Type header field is not present, the recipient MAY either assume a media type of "application/octet-stream" ([RFC2046], Section 4.5.1) or examine the data to determine its type.

It means that the Content-Type HTTP header should be set only for PUT and POST requests.

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