Which HTTP method is used for reading data in a RESTful operation?

In RESTful operations, the HTTP method used for reading data is GET. This method is designed to retrieve information from a specified resource without modifying it. When a client makes a GET request to a server, it asks for data, and the server responds with the requested information, usually in the form of JSON or XML. The nature of this interaction aligns with the REST architectural style, where GET is intended solely for fetching data, ensuring that it does not have side effects on the resource.

Other methods such as POST, PUT, and DELETE serve different purposes within the context of RESTful services. POST is typically used to create new resources, PUT is for updating existing resources, and DELETE is used for removing resources. Each method has a specific role, but GET is distinctly associated with the retrieval of data, making it the correct choice for reading operations in RESTful APIs.