curl POST JSON Example

Send JSON with curl using the right headers, request body, and authentication pattern.

Basic POST JSON

curl -X POST https://api.example.com/users \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{"name":"Ada","role":"admin"}'

With Bearer Token

curl -X POST https://api.example.com/users \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_TOKEN" \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{"name":"Ada"}'

Common Mistake

If the server says it cannot parse the body, check that Content-Type is application/json and that your shell quoting did not break the JSON string.

Related

curl Command Guide

More curl flags and examples.

JSON Formatter

Validate the JSON body before sending it.

HTTP Headers

Understand Content-Type and Authorization headers.

Knowledge is power.