How to Resolve Fail without paramsSerializer Issue in Axios POST Requests

Learn how to properly handle POST requests in Axios by correctly using the `paramsSerializer` and sending sensitive data in the request body.
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This video is based on the question https://stackoverflow.com/q/77133887/ asked by the user 'TungTung' ( https://stackoverflow.com/u/20181052/ ) and on the answer https://stackoverflow.com/a/77133939/ provided by the user 'Mohamed Mostafa' ( https://stackoverflow.com/u/12043678/ ) at 'Stack Overflow' website. Thanks to these great users and Stackexchange community for their contributions.

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Introduction

If you've been working with the Axios library in JavaScript, you may have encountered issues when trying to send data in a POST request. A common problem arises when sensitive information, such as usernames and passwords, is incorrectly placed in the params instead of the request body. This can lead to errors like CERT_AUTH_REQUIRED, leaving many developers puzzled. In this guide, we’ll delve into this issue and how to resolve it effectively.

Understanding the Problem

When using Axios for making POST requests, developers often attempt to serialize their parameters using the params option. However, this option is strictly for query parameters, which may not be suitable for sensitive data. Here are the key takeaways:

Parameters vs. Data:

Params: For query string parameters (GET requests).

Data: For sending the payload in POST requests.

Placing sensitive information in the wrong field can result in failed authentication attempts and other complications.

The Solution: Properly Structuring Your Axios Request

To avoid the "fail without paramsSerializer" issue, it’s important to follow the structure outlined below for Axios POST requests.

Step 1: Use the Data Field

Always place sensitive credentials, like usernames and passwords, in the data field of your Axios request. Here’s how to do it correctly:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Step 2: Remove Params from the Request

By removing the params field (which can lead to confusion), you'll set the foundation for proper data transmission:

No params should be defined when dealing with sensitive data in POST requests.

Step 3: Implement paramsSerializer (if Needed)

If you still need to send non-sensitive query parameters alongside your POST request, you may consider implementing a paramsSerializer for enhanced control over how the parameters are serialized. Here's how you could define one:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Conclusion

In conclusion, the most effective way to handle POST requests in Axios, especially when dealing with sensitive data, is to utilize the data field. Always ensure you're sending credentials in the body of the request rather than as query parameters. By following the structure provided in this guide, you can avoid common pitfalls related to incorrect parameter serialization, leading to smoother Axios usage and improved data security.

With a good understanding of how Axios handles parameters and data, you'll be better equipped to avoid the CERT_AUTH_REQUIRED error and other related issues in your applications.