Difference Between PUT and PATCH
Definition and Purpose
PUT: Replaces the entire resource at the specified URL with the data provided in the request. If a field is omitted in the PUT request, that field may be reset or removed in the resource. PUT can also create a resource if it does not exist123456.
PATCH: Updates only the specified fields of an existing resource. It is used for partial modifications, so only the data sent in the request is changed, leaving the rest of the resource untouched123456.
Idempotency
PUT: Idempotent. Sending the same PUT request multiple times will always result in the same resource state134.
PATCH: Not guaranteed to be idempotent. Multiple identical PATCH requests may produce different results, depending on the current state of the resource and the instructions in the PATCH request134.
Bandwidth and Efficiency
PUT: Requires the entire resource to be sent, even if only a small part is being changed, leading to higher bandwidth usage134.
PATCH: More efficient for partial updates, as only the modified fields are sent134.
Typical Usage
PUT: Use when you want to completely replace a resource, or when creating a resource at a known URL1346.
PATCH: Use when you want to update only certain fields of a resource without affecting the rest1346.
Analogy
PUT: Like replacing an entire document with a new version.
PATCH: Like editing only a paragraph in the document, leaving the rest unchanged.
Comparison Table
| Aspect | PUT | PATCH |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Full resource replacemedfnt | Partial resource update |
| Idempotency | Idempotent | Not necessarily idempotent |
| Bandwidth | Higher (whole resource sent) | Lower (only changes sent) |
| Use Case | Replace or create resource | Modify specific fields of existing resource |
| Example | Update all user details | Update only user's email address |
Use PUT when you need to completely replace a resource, and PATCH when you only need to update certain fields of an existing resource.
Steps for API Development
Below is a structured overview of the key steps to build a reliable, secure, and maintainable API:
1. Planning & Strategy
Define the goals and intended users of your API.
Identify both functional requirements (what the API should do) and non-functional requirements (performance, reliability, security).
Understand the needs of your target developers or consumers15.
2. API Design
Decide on the API’s architecture (REST, GraphQL, etc.) and data formats (JSON, XML).
Define endpoints, methods (GET, POST, PUT, PATCH, DELETE), parameters, and response formats.
Sketch out the structure and relationships between resources.
3. API Development
Choose a suitable framework and programming language.
Implement the API endpoints and business logic.
Standardize API responses and error handling.
4. API Testing
Test all endpoints for correct functionality, error handling, and edge cases.
Validate request and response formats.
Ensure performance, reliability, and security through automated and manual testing135.
5. Documentation
Create comprehensive documentation covering endpoints, request/response formats, authentication, and error codes.
Provide usage examples and SDKs if possible to improve developer experience15.
6. Deployment
Deploy the API to a production environment.
Set up monitoring for uptime, usage, and performance metrics135.
7. Monitoring & Improvement
Continuously monitor API health, performance, and user feedback.
Iterate and improve the API based on metrics and feedback, ensuring security and scalability over time135.
Summary Table
| Step | Key Activities |
|---|---|
| Planning | Define goals, users, requirements |
| Design | Architect endpoints, data formats, authentication, versioning |
| Development | Implement endpoints, logic, error handling |
| Testing | Functional, security, and performance testing |
| Documentation | Create detailed docs, usage examples |
| Deployment | Go live, set up monitoring |
| Monitoring | Track metrics, gather feedback, iterate |
This process ensures your API is robust, secure, and user-friendly from initial concept to ongoing maintenance.
