c: Copyright (C) 1998 - 2022, Daniel Stenberg, <daniel@haxx.se>, et al.
SPDX-License-Identifier: curl
Long: request
Short: X
Arg: <method>
Help: Specify request method to use
Category: connection
Example: -X "DELETE" $URL
Example: -X NLST ftp://example.com/
Added: 6.0
See-also: request-target
Multi: single
---
(HTTP) Specifies a custom request method to use when communicating with the
HTTP server. The specified request method will be used instead of the method
otherwise used (which defaults to GET). Read the HTTP 1.1 specification for
details and explanations. Common additional HTTP requests include PUT and
DELETE, but related technologies like WebDAV offers PROPFIND, COPY, MOVE and
more.

Normally you do not need this option. All sorts of GET, HEAD, POST and PUT
requests are rather invoked by using dedicated command line options.

This option only changes the actual word used in the HTTP request, it does not
alter the way curl behaves. So for example if you want to make a proper HEAD
request, using -X HEAD will not suffice. You need to use the --head option.

The method string you set with --request will be used for all requests, which
if you for example use --location may cause unintended side-effects when curl
does not change request method according to the HTTP 30x response codes - and
similar.

(FTP)
Specifies a custom FTP command to use instead of LIST when doing file lists
with FTP.

(POP3)
Specifies a custom POP3 command to use instead of LIST or RETR.
(Added in 7.26.0)

(IMAP)
Specifies a custom IMAP command to use instead of LIST. (Added in 7.30.0)

(SMTP)
Specifies a custom SMTP command to use instead of HELP or VRFY. (Added in 7.34.0)