Advanced Yii2 GridView: Converting GET to POST Method with Pjax Integration

For experienced Yii2 developers, the change in default filtering behavior from POST in Yii1 to GET in Yii2’s GridView often creates a need for custom implementation. This article will discuss advanced techniques for changing GridView request methods from GET to POST, including important security and performance considerations that need attention.

The Yii2 framework adopts the GET method as default for filter operations in the GridView widget, unlike its predecessor Yii1 which used POST. While the GET method is easier for caching implementation and bookmarking, in some production environment scenarios, using POST becomes a mandatory requirement because:

• Security considerations for sensitive data
• Length limitations on query string parameters
• URL cleanliness and SEO considerations
• Prevention of CSRF attacks through token validation

POST Method Implementation in GridView

Following is the technical implementation to configure GridView using POST method with Pjax integration.

View Configuration

Modify the view file with the following Pjax widget configuration:

<?php
use yii\widgets\Pjax;
use yii\grid\GridView;

Pjax::begin([
    'id' => 'grid-pjax',
    'timeout' => 5000,
    'enablePushState' => false,
    'enableReplaceState' => false,
    'clientOptions' => [
        'method' => 'POST',
        'skipOuterContainers' => true
    ]
]);
?>

<?= GridView::widget([
    'dataProvider' => $dataProvider,
    'filterModel' => $searchModel,
    'columns' => require __DIR__ . '/_columns.php',
    'layout' => "{items}\n{pager}",
]); ?>

<?php Pjax::end(); ?>

Parameter Configuration:

• enablePushState: false – Prevents browser history update
• enableReplaceState: false – Disables URL replacement
• method: 'POST' – Sets HTTP method to POST
• timeout: 5000 – Sets request timeout to 5 seconds

Controller Modification

In the controller, change parameter handling from queryParams to post():

public function actionIndex()
{
    $searchModel = new YourSearchModel();
    $dataProvider = $searchModel->search(
        Yii::$app->request->post()
    );

    return $this->render('index', [
        'searchModel' => $searchModel,
        'dataProvider' => $dataProvider,
    ]);
}

Advanced Configuration and Best Practices

For production environment, consider the following implementation:

CSRF Protection

Pjax::begin([
    'id' => 'grid-pjax',
    'clientOptions' => [
        'method' => 'POST',
        'data' => [
            Yii::$app->request->csrfParam => Yii::$app->request->csrfToken
        ]
    ]
]);

Custom Filter Handler

// In SearchModel
public function search($params)
{
    $query = YourModel::find();
    
    $dataProvider = new ActiveDataProvider([
        'query' => $query,
        'pagination' => [
            'pageSize' => 20,
        ],
        'sort' => [
            'defaultOrder' => ['id' => SORT_DESC]
        ]
    ]);

    if (!empty($params) && $this->load($params)) {
        // Apply filters here
        $query->andFilterWhere(['like', 'attribute', $this->attribute]);
    }

    return $dataProvider;
}

Performance Note: POST method implementation with Pjax can increase memory usage on large datasets. It’s recommended to implement proper pagination and query optimization.

Debugging and Troubleshooting

• Ensure Pjax ID is consistent between initialization and termination
• Verify CSRF token validation on POST requests
• Check browser console for JavaScript errors
• Monitor network tab for request/response inspection

With proper implementation, converting GridView from GET to POST can provide enhanced security and flexibility without compromising optimal user experience.