# SEARCH method > Runs a server-side query described in the request body against a resource, in WebDAV. Source: https://apiguide.dev/methods/search Safe: yes Idempotent: yes Cacheable: no Defined in: RFC 5323, Section 2 Updated: 2026-10-14 ## What is the SEARCH method? The `SEARCH` method is a WebDAV extension (RFC 5323) used by clients to send a query in the request body and have the server return matching resources, without changing any state. ## API Usage & Best Practices * **Query in the body**: Unlike GET, SEARCH carries its query in the request body, allowing rich, structured criteria. * **Read-only and repeatable**: SEARCH is safe and idempotent, so repeating a query has no side effects on the server and it can be retried freely. The results can still change between calls as the underlying data changes. * **Know the overlap**: SEARCH overlaps with the [`QUERY`](/methods/query) method, standardized in RFC 10008 as the general-purpose safe, idempotent read with a body. Outside WebDAV, use `QUERY` rather than SEARCH. ## Common Response Codes * **200 OK**: The query succeeded and results are returned in the body. * **207 Multi-Status**: Per-resource results are returned for a WebDAV-style search. * **422 Unprocessable Content**: The query body was well-formed but could not be understood or executed.