---
c: Copyright (C) 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 pop3 ftp imap smtp
Added: 6.0
Multi: single
See-also:
  - request-target
Example:
  - -X "DELETE" $URL
  - -X NLST ftp://example.com/
---

# `--request`

Change the method to use when starting the transfer.

curl passes on the verbatim string you give it in the request without any
filter or other safe guards. That includes white space and control characters.

## HTTP
Specifies a custom request method to use when communicating with the HTTP
server. The specified request method is 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*,
while 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. For example if you want to make a proper HEAD
request, using -X HEAD does not suffice. You need to use the --head option.

The method string you set with --request is 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)
