Difference Between PUT and PATCH Request
By BYJU'S Exam Prep
Updated on: October 17th, 2023
The key difference between PUT and PATCH requests highlights that PUT requests are meant for complete updates or replacements of a resource, while PATCH requests are specifically designed for making partial modifications to specific fields or properties of a resource, leaving the rest unchanged.
By distinguishing between PUT and PATCH requests, you can ensure proper resource management and efficient data updates. PATCH requests are generally more efficient than PUT requests for making partial updates to resources. Let us understand more on difference between PUT and PATCH requestsin detail.
Table of content
Difference Between PUT and PATCH Request
A key difference between the two requests is that PUT requests are used to update or replace the entire resource, while PATCH requests are used to make partial modifications or updates to a resource. Understanding the key concepts of PUT and PATCH requests is essential for proper usage and implementation in web development and API design.
PUT Request vs PATCH Request
| Factors | PUT Request | PATCH Request |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Update or replace the entire resource | Partially modify or update a resource |
| Idempotency | Idempotent – Repeated requests have the same effect | Non-idempotent – Repeated requests may have different effects |
| Payload | Requires the complete representation of the resource | Includes only the changes or updates to be applied |
| Resource | Entire resource is replaced | Specific fields or properties are modified |
| Efficiency | Suitable for complete updates | More efficient for partial updates |
| Usage | When you have a complete updated representation of the resource | When you want to modify specific fields without affecting the rest of the resource |
| Error Handling | Server may overwrite missing fields with null or default values | Only updates specified fields, leaving others unaffected |
| Compatibility | May not be compatible with certain API designs or caching mechanisms | Generally compatible with most API designs and caching mechanisms |
PUT Request
PUT stands for Put Update or Replace. It is an HTTP request method used to update or replace an entire resource. The entire representation of the resource is sent in the request payload.
PUT requests are idempotent, meaning that multiple identical requests should have the same effect as a single request.
It is typically used when you have a complete and updated representation of the resource that should completely replace the existing resource on the server. PUT requests are commonly used to create new resources as well if the server allows it.
PATCH Request
PATCH stands for Partial Update. It is an HTTP request method used to partially modify or update a resource. Instead of sending the complete representation of the resource, a PATCH request includes only the changes or updates to be applied. PATCH requests are not idempotent, meaning that multiple identical requests may have different effects.
PATCH requests are generally more efficient than PUT requests for making partial updates to resources. It is useful when you want to modify specific fields or properties of a resource without affecting the rest of the resource’s representation.
Purpose and Usage of PUT Requests and PATCH Requests
Understanding the purpose and usage of PUT and PATCH requests helps in choosing the appropriate method based on the specific needs of your application or API.
Purpose and Usage of PUT Requests
PUT requests are primarily used to update or replace an entire resource with a new representation. They are suitable when you have a complete and updated representation of the resource that should completely replace the existing resource on the server. PUT requests are often used to create new resources as well, if the server allows it.
PUT requests require the complete representation of the resource to be sent in the request payload. They are idempotent, meaning that multiple identical PUT requests should have the same effect as a single request. Common examples of PUT requests include updating a user’s profile information, replacing an existing file with an updated version, or modifying the properties of a product in an e-commerce system.
Purpose and Usage of PATCH Requests
PATCH requests are designed for making partial modifications or updates to a resource. They are used when you want to modify specific fields or properties of a resource without affecting the rest of its representation.
PATCH requests are not idempotent, meaning that multiple identical PATCH requests may have different effects. Unlike PUT requests, PATCH requests only require the changes or updates to be included in the request payload, rather than the entire resource representation.
PUT vs PATCH on Performance and Efficiency
Performance and efficiency can vary between PUT and PATCH requests based on the specific use case and the amount of data being transmitted. When using a PUT request, the entire representation of the resource needs to be sent in the request payload, regardless of whether the update is partial or complete. PUT requests can be less efficient when it comes to bandwidth usage and server processing, especially if only a small portion of the resource needs to be modified.
PATCH requests are more efficient for making partial updates since only the specific changes or updates are included in the request payload. Since PATCH requests only update the specified fields, they can be more efficient in terms of server-side processing, as only the necessary changes are applied.
Choosing Between PUT and PATCH
When choosing between PUT and PATCH requests, consider the scope of the update and data payload. Use PUT when updating or replacing the entire resource, requiring the complete representation in the payload. Use PATCH for modifying specific fields or properties, sending only the changes. PUT is idempotent, while PATCH is not. Evaluate resource compatibility, API design, and performance considerations. PUT is suitable for complete updates but may have higher network traffic and processing. PATCH is efficient for partial updates, reducing data transmission and optimizing server processing. Ultimately, assess the specific requirements of your application or API to make an informed decision.
Similarities between put and PATCH
While PUT and PATCH requests have some differences, there are also similarities between them. Here are a few similarities between PUT and PATCH requests:
| Similarities | PUT Request | PATCH Request |
|---|---|---|
| HTTP Verbs | Used as an HTTP method | Used as an HTTP method |
| Resource Identification | Targets a specific resource | Targets a specific resource |
| Data Modification | Updates or modifies the resource state | Updates or modifies the resource state |
| Request Headers | May include headers for authentication, content type, etc. | May include headers for authentication, content type, etc. |
Related Articles:
