Glossary
GET Request
What is a GET request?
GET is an HTTP request to retrieve server data. It’s commonly triggered when a user visits a website or accesses information via a URL. GET requests are read-only and do not alter the server’s data. They include parameters in the URL and are typically cached, making them fast and efficient for repeated data access. Some use examples include:
A web browser automatically sends GET requests when you type a URL into an address bar or click a link. For example, typing www.example.com/about sends a GET request for the /about page.
Automated systems, such as backend services, monitoring tools, or scripts, regularly fetch data from a server, such as weather information, stock prices, and so on.
Software developers often use tools like curl and Postman or write code (in Python, JavaScript, and so on) to test or build apps that interact with APIs.
How GET requests can inflate your cloud storage bill
While GET requests themselves are typically low-cost—or even free from some providers like Wasabi—they can indirectly increase your cloud storage bill in several ways:
Data egress charges — Many cloud providers (such as the hyperscalers) charge for data that leaves their cloud (egress). Frequent GET requests that download data, especially large files, can result in significant outbound data costs.
Content delivery network and transfer fees — CDNs and transferring data across regions or services, generate additional transfer fees.
Operational overhead — Excessive GET requests might lead to higher infrastructure usage (such as more server load and a need for faster performance tiers), pushing you into more expensive storage classes.
Caching inefficiencies — Poorly optimized caching can result in repeated GET requests hitting the origin storage, increasing data transfer and API request volume.
Wasabi never charges for GET requests
Unlike many major cloud providers that bill for API operations like PUT, GET, or DELETE, Wasabi offers a pricing model with no fees for API requests, including GET operations. This approach is particularly beneficial for applications that involve frequent data uploads or updates, such as backup solutions, media workflows, or IoT data collection, where traditional cloud providers’ API request fees can accumulate rapidly.
Upload or update data as frequently as needed without incurring additional costs beyond your storage usage. Wasabi’s pricing is designed to be straightforward and predictable. For example, under our Pay-as-You-Go model, storage costs are $6.99 per TB per month, with no charges for data ingress, egress, or API requests. Learn more about our cloud cost optimization.