Many developers confuse PUT and PATCH in REST APIs. Both are used for updating data, but they work differently.
#PUT Method
PUT is used to replace an entire resource.
Example:
With PUT, you usually send all fields because the old resource is replaced by the new one.
#PATCH Method
PATCH is used for partial updates.
Example:
Only the provided field will be updated while the rest stays unchanged.
#Main Difference Between PUT and PATCH
| PUT | PATCH |
|---|---|
| Full update | Partial update |
| Replaces entire resource | Updates specific fields |
| Usually sends all data | Sends only changed data |
#When Should You Use PUT?
Use PUT when:
- Updating a complete resource
- Replacing all fields
- Submitting a full form
#When Should You Use PATCH?
Use PATCH when:
- Updating only a few fields
- Changing small pieces of data
- Optimizing bandwidth and performance
#Final Thoughts
PUT= Full replacementPATCH= Partial modification
A common misconception is that PUT is mainly for creating new records. In REST APIs, PUT is primarily used for full updates, although some APIs may create the resource if it does not already exist.
