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What Is the Difference Between PUT and PATCH?

By July 21, 2024Guides8 min read
What Is the Difference Between PUT and PATCH?

When you're deciding between PUT and PATCH, remember they're used for different types of updates. PUT replaces the entire resource, sending all data, while PATCH allows you to change specific fields without affecting everything.

PUT guarantees consistency across requests as it's idempotent, but it can be inefficient with large datasets. On the other hand, PATCH minimizes data transmission, making it more efficient for partial updates. Depending on your needs—complete replacement or minor adjustments—you'll choose one method over the other. There's more essential information to take into account that can guide your decision effectively.

TL;DR

  • PUT replaces the entire resource with new data, while PATCH allows for partial updates to specific fields.
  • PUT ensures data integrity by updating all fields, whereas PATCH minimizes data transmission by targeting only necessary changes.
  • PUT is idempotent and maintains version control, while PATCH is more efficient for incremental updates without affecting the whole resource.
  • PUT is ideal for completely replacing existing resources, while PATCH is better suited for quick modifications of specific attributes.

What is a PUT request?

A PUT request is used to update a resource or create it if it doesn't exist.

When you send a PUT request, you're fundamentally replacing the entire resource with the new data you provide.

Let's explore an example to clarify how it works in practice.

Using PUT Example

When you send a PUT request, you're telling the server to update or replace a specific resource with the data you provide. This operation plays a vital role in API design as it allows for effective resource updating while guaranteeing data integrity. For instance, if you want to change a user's email address in a database, you could send a PUT request containing the entire user object, including the updated email.

One of the key features of a PUT request is its idempotent nature. This means that no matter how many times you send the same PUT request, the outcome remains consistent. This reliability enhances client-server communication, as you can be confident that your updates won't produce unintended side effects.

Consider a scenario where you're developing an app that requires frequent data synchronization. By using PUT requests, you confirm that the server always has the latest version of the resource, maintaining data integrity and consistency across all interactions.

import 'requests'

url = 'https://jsonplaceholder.typicode.com/posts/1'

put_data = {
    "id": 1,
    "title": "Updated Title",
    "body": "Updated body content",
    "userId": 1
}

put_response = 'requests'.put(url, json=put_data)

print(put_response.status_code)
print(put_response.json())

The code above performs a PUT request using the requests library in Python. The PUT request is sent to the URL https://jsonplaceholder.typicode.com/posts/1 with a payload (data) that includes the full updated information for the resource with ID 1. The response status code and JSON content are then printed.

Mastering PUT requests can greatly streamline your API interactions, making your applications more robust and innovative.

What is a PATCH request?

A PATCH request is used to update partial resources on a server, allowing you to make specific changes without sending the entire resource.

For example, if you only need to update a user's email address, a PATCH request can accomplish this efficiently.

Let's explore how a PATCH request works with a practical example.

Using PATCH Example

PATCH requests allow you to update specific fields of a resource without modifying the entire object, making them efficient for partial updates. This is particularly beneficial when you're working with API updates, as it minimizes the data sent over the network, preserving bandwidth and enhancing performance.

When you need to make partial modifications, such as changing a user's email address or updating a product's price, a PATCH request is ideal. It allows you to target just the fields you want to change while maintaining data integrity across the resource. In an efficiency comparison with PUT requests, PATCH shines when dealing with large objects or when only a few fields require updates.

import 'requests'

url = 'https://jsonplaceholder.typicode.com/posts/1'

patch_data = {
    "title": "Updated Title Only"
}

patch_response = 'requests'.patch(url, json=patch_data)

print(patch_response.status_code)
print(patch_response.json())

The code above performs a PATCH request using the requests library in Python. The PATCH request is sent to the URL https://jsonplaceholder.typicode.com/posts/1 with a payload (data) that includes only the fields to be updated (in this case, just the title). The response status code and JSON content are then printed.

Use cases for PATCH requests abound in modern applications. For instance, if you're developing a web application where users frequently update their profiles, using PATCH guarantees that only the necessary data is sent. This not only speeds up the process but also reduces potential errors associated with sending complete resource representations.

Key Differences Between PUT and PATCH

Understanding the key differences between PUT and PATCH is essential for effectively managing updates to resources in RESTful APIs. Both are HTTP methods used for data updates, but they operate differently under REST principles.

When you use PUT, you're typically replacing the entire resource with a new version. This method guarantees version control, as you send the complete representation of the resource, which can be beneficial for consistency. However, it can lead to inefficiencies, especially when updating large datasets, since it requires sending all data every time.

On the other hand, PATCH allows you to send only the changes or partial updates to a resource. This targeted approach enhances API efficiency, as it reduces the amount of data transmitted. With PATCH, you can specify exactly what needs to be modified without affecting the entire resource.

Ultimately, choosing between PUT and PATCH impacts how you manage updates and maintain performance in your APIs. Understanding these differences guarantees you leverage the right method for each situation, aligning with your goals of innovation and efficient data handling.

When to Use Each Method

Choosing the right method for updating resources can greatly impact your API's efficiency and performance.

When working with RESTful APIs, knowing when to use PUT or PATCH is essential for effective resource management. If you need to completely replace an existing resource, opt for PUT. This method guarantees data integrity by updating all fields, making it ideal when you want to maintain version control across your application.

On the other hand, use PATCH when you only need to modify specific fields within a resource. This approach minimizes the amount of data sent over the network, enhancing performance, especially with larger resources. It's also a smarter choice when you want to implement agile update strategies that allow for quick, incremental changes without disrupting the entire resource.

How is PATCH different from POST?

When comparing PATCH to POST, it's important to recognize that PATCH is designed for partial updates to existing resources, while POST is used to create new resources or submit data for processing. This distinction is vital in RESTful API design, where clear request semantics enhance functionality and efficiency.

When you use PATCH, you're focusing on a specific resource update, targeting only the fields that need changes. This approach helps maintain data integrity, minimizing the data transmitted and reducing the risk of errors. For example, if you only need to update a user's email address, PATCH allows you to do just that without affecting other user attributes.

On the other hand, POST is broader in scope. When you send a POST request, you're typically creating a new resource or triggering a process, such as submitting a form or uploading a file. This often results in a new entry in your database, requiring more data than PATCH.

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