What function does a GET method perform in RESTful services?

The GET method in RESTful services is primarily designed for fetching or retrieving data from a server. Its main purpose is to obtain information about resources without making any modifications to them. When a client sends a GET request, it is asking the server to send back the current state of a resource or a collection of resources.

In the context of shared information between applications, utilizing the GET method allows for the retrieval of data that can be used or displayed in various ways by different apps. This method ensures that the requested information is accessed in a read-only manner, which aligns with the principle of REST to make APIs simple and predictable.

The other options pertain to different HTTP methods: for example, deleting resources is achieved using the DELETE method, while the PUT and POST methods are used for updating records and creating new resources, respectively. Thus, the GET method distinctly stands out for its role in data retrieval.