What Is The HTTP PATCH Request?

PATCH Method

The PATCH method is used to apply partial modifications to a resource. The PATCH method is not idempotent, which means that sending an identical PATCH request multiple times can further affect the state of the server or cause additional side effects.

Syntax

PATCH /echo/patch/json  HTTP/1.1

Example

The following example demonstrates sending a PATCH request to the server:

Request

PATCH /echo/patch/json  HTTP/1.1
Host: www.apitier.com
Accept: application/json
Content-Type: application/json
Content-Length: 100

{PATCH DATA}

Response

202 – Accepted

Indicates that the request has been received but not completed yet. It is typically used in log running requests and batch processing.

202 – No Content

The server has fulfilled the request but does not need to return a response body. The server may return the updated meta information.

200 -OK

Indicates that the request has succeeded.

HTTP/1.1 200 OK
Accept: application/json
Content-Type: application/json
Content-Length: 100

{PATCH DATA}

Specification

Advantages

• Efficient updates
• Consistency
• Partial updates

Disadvantages

The PATCH method can be more complex to implement as compare to PUT method.

The PATCH method is not widely supported by all HTTP servers and clients.

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