XMLHttpRequest.send()

The XMLHttpRequest method send() sends the request to the server. If the request is asynchronous (which is the default), this method returns as soon as the request is sent and the result is delivered using events. If the request is synchronous, this method doesn't return until the response has arrived.

send() accepts an optional parameter which lets you specify the request's body; this is primarily used for requests such as PUT. If the request method is GET or HEAD, the body parameter is ignored and the request body is set to null.

If no Accept header has been set using the setRequestHeader(), an Accept header with the type "*/*" (any type) is sent.

Syntax

XMLHttpRequest.send(body)

Parameters

body Optional
A body of data to be sent in the XHR request. This can be: If no value is specified for the body, a default value of null is used.

The best way to send binary content (e.g. in file uploads) is by using an ArrayBufferView or Blob in conjunction with the send() method.

Return value

undefined.

Exceptions

Exception Description
InvalidStateError send() has already been invoked for the request, and/or the request is complete.
NetworkError The resource type to be fetched is a Blob, and the method is not GET.

Example: GET

var xhr = new XMLHttpRequest();
xhr.open('GET', '/server', true);

xhr.onload = function () {
  // Request finished. Do processing here.
};

xhr.send(null);
// xhr.send('string');
// xhr.send(new Blob());
// xhr.send(new Int8Array());
// xhr.send(document);

Example: POST

var xhr = new XMLHttpRequest();
xhr.open("POST", '/server', true);

//Send the proper header information along with the request
xhr.setRequestHeader("Content-Type", "application/x-www-form-urlencoded");

xhr.onreadystatechange = function() { // Call a function when the state changes.
    if (this.readyState === XMLHttpRequest.DONE && this.status === 200) {
        // Request finished. Do processing here.
    }
}
xhr.send("foo=bar&lorem=ipsum");
// xhr.send(new Int8Array());
// xhr.send(document);

Specifications

Specification Status Comment
XMLHttpRequest
The definition of 'send()' in that specification.
Living Standard WHATWG living standard

Browser compatibility

DesktopMobile
ChromeEdgeFirefoxInternet ExplorerOperaSafariAndroid webviewChrome for AndroidFirefox for AndroidOpera for AndroidSafari on iOSSamsung Internet
sendChrome Full support 1Edge Full support 12Firefox Full support 1IE Full support 5Opera Full support 8Safari Full support 1.2WebView Android Full support 1Chrome Android Full support 18Firefox Android Full support 4Opera Android Full support 10.1Safari iOS Full support 1Samsung Internet Android Full support 1.0
ArrayBuffer as parameter to send()Chrome Full support 9Edge Full support 12Firefox Full support 9IE Full support 10Opera Full support 11.6Safari Full support YesWebView Android Full support YesChrome Android Full support YesFirefox Android Full support 9Opera Android Full support YesSafari iOS ? Samsung Internet Android Full support Yes
ArrayBufferView as parameter to send()Chrome Full support 22Edge Full support ≤79Firefox Full support 20IE ? Opera Full support YesSafari ? WebView Android Full support YesChrome Android Full support YesFirefox Android Full support 20Opera Android Full support YesSafari iOS ? Samsung Internet Android Full support Yes
Blob as parameter to send()Chrome Full support 22Edge Full support 12Firefox Full support 2IE Full support 10Opera Full support 12Safari ? WebView Android Full support YesChrome Android Full support YesFirefox Android Full support 4Opera Android Full support YesSafari iOS ? Samsung Internet Android Full support Yes
FormData as parameter to send()Chrome Full support 6Edge Full support 12Firefox Full support 2IE Full support 10Opera Full support 12Safari ? WebView Android Full support YesChrome Android Full support YesFirefox Android Full support 4Opera Android Full support YesSafari iOS ? Samsung Internet Android Full support Yes
URLSearchParams as parameter to send()Chrome Full support 59Edge Full support ≤79Firefox Full support 44IE ? Opera Full support 12Safari ? WebView Android Full support YesChrome Android Full support 59Firefox Android Full support 44Opera Android Full support YesSafari iOS ? Samsung Internet Android Full support 7.0

Legend

Full support
Full support
Compatibility unknown
Compatibility unknown

See also