When to use HTTP::uri vs HTTP::path, contains vs matches

Simply put, if you are calling the HTTP::path, you are simply asking the iRule to apply your "if statement" to the HTTP::uri in the http traffic up to where it sees a query sign .i.e "?" .

In your case, http://www.test.com/dir/page.php?=data

HTTP::path = /dir/page.php

HTTP::uri = /dir/page.php?=data

Whichever you choose, the operand in the "if statement" will apply on the HTTP:: content.

when HTTP_REQUEST { if {[HTTP::uri] contains "php" } { pool php_pool } }

OR

when HTTP_REQUEST { if { [HTTP::path] contains ".php" } { pool php_pool } }

Will give you the same result.

I hope this helps :)