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What does "payload" mean in programming?
payload is one of the most common terms in software development. This guide explains what it means, how it is used in practice, and why it matters, with real examples from the developer world.
Definition
The data carried in the body of an HTTP request or response, distinct from the headers and metadata. In REST APIs, the payload is typically JSON. The request payload is the data the client sends; the response payload is the data the server returns.
Example
"The POST /orders request has a JSON payload with itemId, quantity, and shippingAddress. The server validates it before processing."
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