HTTP methods for CRUD operations in Express - Cheat Sheet & Quick Revision

Recall & Review

beginner

What HTTP method is commonly used to create a new resource in REST APIs?

The POST method is used to create a new resource on the server.

beginner

Which HTTP method is used to read or retrieve data from a server?

The GET method is used to request data from a specified resource without changing it.

beginner

What HTTP method should you use to update an existing resource completely?

The PUT method replaces the entire resource with the data sent in the request.

intermediate

Which HTTP method is used to partially update a resource?

The PATCH method applies partial modifications to a resource.

beginner

What HTTP method is used to delete a resource?

The DELETE method removes the specified resource from the server.

Which HTTP method is best suited to retrieve a list of users from a server?

A GET

B POST

C DELETE

D PUT

GET requests are used to read or retrieve data without changing it.

If you want to add a new blog post, which HTTP method should you use?

A PATCH

B DELETE

C POST

D GET

POST is used to create new resources on the server.

Which HTTP method replaces the entire resource with new data?

A PUT

B PATCH

C POST

D GET

PUT replaces the whole resource with the data sent.

To remove a user account, which HTTP method is appropriate?

A PATCH

B GET

C POST

D DELETE

DELETE removes the specified resource from the server.

Which HTTP method allows you to update only some fields of a resource?

A PUT

B PATCH

C POST

D GET

PATCH applies partial updates to a resource.

Explain how HTTP methods map to CRUD operations in REST APIs.

Think about what each method does to the resource on the server.

Describe a real-life example where you would use each HTTP method in a web app.

Imagine managing user data in a social media app.

Practice

1. Which HTTP method is typically used in Express to retrieve data from a server?

easy

A. PUT

B. POST

C. DELETE

D. GET

Solution

1. Step 1: Understand HTTP methods purpose

   GET is used to read or retrieve data from the server without changing it.

2. Step 2: Match method to action

   Since the question asks for retrieving data, GET is the correct method.

3. Final Answer:

   GET -> Option D

4. Quick Check:

   Retrieve data = GET [OK]

Hint: GET always reads data without changing it [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Confusing POST with GET for reading data
• Using DELETE to get data
• Thinking PUT retrieves data

2. Which of the following is the correct Express syntax to handle a POST request to the path /users?

easy

A. app.get('/users', (req, res) => { ... })

B. app.put('/users', (req, res) => { ... })

C. app.post('/users', (req, res) => { ... })

D. app.delete('/users', (req, res) => { ... })

Solution

1. Step 1: Identify method for creating data

   POST is used to create new data on the server.

2. Step 2: Match Express syntax to POST

   app.post('/users', ...) correctly handles POST requests to /users.

3. Final Answer:

   app.post('/users', (req, res) => { ... }) -> Option C

4. Quick Check:

   POST creates data = app.post() [OK]

Hint: Use app.post() for creating new data routes [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Using app.get() for POST requests
• Confusing app.put() with app.post()
• Writing app.delete() for creation

3. What will be the response status code if you define this Express route and send a request to PUT /items/5?

app.put('/items/:id', (req, res) => {
  res.status(200).send(`Updated item ${req.params.id}`);
});

medium

A. 200 OK

B. 201 Created

C. 500 Internal Server Error

D. 404 Not Found

Solution

1. Step 1: Analyze route and method

   The route handles PUT requests to /items/:id, so /items/5 matches with id=5.

2. Step 2: Check response status code

   The code explicitly sets status 200 and sends a message, so response status is 200 OK.

3. Final Answer:

   200 OK -> Option A

4. Quick Check:

   PUT route sends status 200 = 200 OK [OK]

Hint: Check res.status() for response code [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Assuming 201 Created for PUT
• Thinking 404 if route exists
• Confusing 500 error without code

4. Identify the error in this Express route meant to delete a user by ID:

app.delete('/users/:id', (req, res) => {
  const userId = req.params;
  deleteUser(userId);
  res.send('User deleted');
});

medium

A. req.params should be req.params.id to get the ID

B. deleteUser is not a valid Express method

C. res.send should be res.status(204).send()

D. Route path should be '/user/:id' not '/users/:id'

Solution

1. Step 1: Check how userId is assigned

   req.params is an object; to get the ID string, use req.params.id.

2. Step 2: Understand deleteUser usage

   deleteUser likely expects an ID string, so passing the whole params object is wrong.

3. Final Answer:

   req.params should be req.params.id to get the ID -> Option A

4. Quick Check:

   Use req.params.id for ID value [OK]

Hint: Use req.params.id to access route parameters [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Passing whole req.params object instead of ID
• Confusing route path naming
• Assuming deleteUser is Express built-in

5. You want to update a user's email fully using Express. Which HTTP method and route setup is best practice for this operation?

hard

A. app.post('/users/:id', (req, res) => { ... })

B. app.put('/users/:id', (req, res) => { ... })

C. app.get('/users/:id', (req, res) => { ... })

D. app.delete('/users/:id', (req, res) => { ... })

Solution

1. Step 1: Identify method for full update

   PUT is the HTTP method used to fully update existing data.

2. Step 2: Match route to user ID

   Route '/users/:id' targets a specific user by ID for update.

3. Final Answer:

   app.put('/users/:id', (req, res) => { ... }) -> Option B

4. Quick Check:

   Full update = PUT method [OK]

Hint: Use PUT with ID route for full updates [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Using POST for updates instead of creation
• Using GET or DELETE for updating data
• Not including :id in route for specific user