Last modified: Jan 29, 2025 By Alexander Williams

Python httpx.post() Guide: HTTP POST Requests

Python's httpx.post() is a powerful tool for sending HTTP POST requests. It is part of the httpx library, which is a modern alternative to the popular requests library.

In this guide, you will learn how to use httpx.post() effectively. We will cover installation, basic usage, and provide examples to help you get started.

Install httpx in Python

Before using httpx.post(), you need to install the httpx library. If you haven't installed it yet, check out our step-by-step guide.


    pip install httpx
    

Basic Usage of httpx.post()

The httpx.post() function is used to send HTTP POST requests. It takes a URL and optional parameters like data, json, and headers.


    import httpx

    response = httpx.post('https://httpbin.org/post', data={'key': 'value'})
    print(response.status_code)
    print(response.json())
    

In this example, we send a POST request to https://httpbin.org/post with some data. The server responds with the data we sent.


    200
    {'key': 'value'}
    

Sending JSON Data with httpx.post()

You can also send JSON data using the json parameter. This is useful when working with APIs that expect JSON payloads.


    import httpx

    response = httpx.post('https://httpbin.org/post', json={'key': 'value'})
    print(response.status_code)
    print(response.json())
    

The server will return the JSON data you sent in the response.


    200
    {'key': 'value'}
    

Adding Headers to httpx.post()

Headers are often required when making HTTP requests. You can add headers using the headers parameter.


    import httpx

    headers = {'Authorization': 'Bearer YOUR_TOKEN'}
    response = httpx.post('https://httpbin.org/post', headers=headers)
    print(response.status_code)
    print(response.json())
    

This example sends a POST request with an authorization header. The server will include the headers in its response.


    200
    {'headers': {'Authorization': 'Bearer YOUR_TOKEN'}}
    

Handling Errors in httpx.post()

Errors can occur when making HTTP requests. The httpx library provides ways to handle these errors gracefully.


    import httpx

    try:
        response = httpx.post('https://httpbin.org/status/404')
        response.raise_for_status()
    except httpx.HTTPStatusError as e:
        print(f"Error: {e}")
    

In this example, we handle a 404 error. The raise_for_status() method raises an exception if the request fails.


    Error: 404 Client Error: Not Found for url: https://httpbin.org/status/404
    

Conclusion

Using httpx.post() in Python is straightforward and powerful. It allows you to send HTTP POST requests with ease. Whether you're sending data, JSON, or headers, httpx has you covered.

If you encounter issues like No Module Named httpx, check out our guide on fixing this error. For more on HTTP requests, see our httpx.get() guide.

Start using httpx.post() today and simplify your HTTP requests in Python!