Which HTTP method is used to partially update a resource?

Which HTTP method is used to partially update a resource?

• A. GET
• B. PUT
• C. PATCH
• D. POST

Answer: (C)

The HTTP method used to partially update a resource is PATCH. This method allows clients to send only the changes to a resource rather than sending the entire resource representation, which would be the case with a full update using the PUT method. The PATCH method is particularly useful in scenarios where the resource is large or when only small adjustments need to be made, as it reduces the amount of data that needs to be transmitted over the network. For example, if a web application needs to update just the email address of a user profile, it can send a PATCH request that includes only the new email field, rather than sending the whole user profile. In contrast, the PUT method is designed to completely replace an existing resource with a new one, which is why it is not suitable for partial updates. GET is used to retrieve information from a server and does not modify any resource. POST is generally used to create new resources rather than update existing ones. Thus, PATCH is the correct choice for partial data updates, making it the most appropriate method for this purpose.

The HTTP method used to partially update a resource is PATCH. This method allows clients to send only the changes to a resource rather than sending the entire resource representation, which would be the case with a full update using the PUT method.

The PATCH method is particularly useful in scenarios where the resource is large or when only small adjustments need to be made, as it reduces the amount of data that needs to be transmitted over the network. For example, if a web application needs to update just the email address of a user profile, it can send a PATCH request that includes only the new email field, rather than sending the whole user profile.

In contrast, the PUT method is designed to completely replace an existing resource with a new one, which is why it is not suitable for partial updates. GET is used to retrieve information from a server and does not modify any resource. POST is generally used to create new resources rather than update existing ones. Thus, PATCH is the correct choice for partial data updates, making it the most appropriate method for this purpose.