What does the GET method do in the context of web APIs?

In the context of web APIs, the GET method is used to query data from a server. When a client makes a GET request, it is essentially asking the server to retrieve specific information, which can be data stored within a database or an external system. This method is commonly employed to access resources without modifying them, thereby adhering to the principles of REST (Representational State Transfer) architecture.

By utilizing the GET method, a client can specify parameters in the URL to filter or sort the data that is being requested. The response typically includes the requested data, often in a format like JSON or XML, allowing the client to process and display the information as needed.

In contrast to the other actions described by the other choices, such as creating, updating, or deleting records, the GET method strictly focuses on retrieving information. This delineation is fundamental in understanding RESTful API design and the various HTTP methods and their intended purposes within that paradigm.