PATCH request in Postman - Cheat Sheet & Quick Revision

Recall & Review

beginner

What is a PATCH request in API testing?

A PATCH request is used to update part of a resource on the server without sending the entire data. It changes only the specified fields.

beginner

How does a PATCH request differ from a PUT request?

PATCH updates only specified fields of a resource, while PUT replaces the entire resource with the new data.

beginner

In Postman, which HTTP method should you select to send a PATCH request?

Select the 'PATCH' method from the dropdown next to the request URL to send a PATCH request.

beginner

What status code usually indicates a successful PATCH request?

Status code 200 (OK) or 204 (No Content) usually indicates a successful PATCH request.

intermediate

Why is PATCH request useful in testing APIs?

PATCH allows testing partial updates efficiently, saving bandwidth and time by not sending full data when only some fields change.

What does a PATCH request do?

A Creates a new resource

B Updates part of a resource

C Deletes a resource

D Replaces the entire resource

PATCH updates only specified parts of a resource, unlike PUT which replaces the whole resource.

Which HTTP status code indicates a successful PATCH request with no content returned?

A 500

B 201

C 404

D 204

204 No Content means the PATCH request succeeded but the server returns no content.

In Postman, how do you specify a PATCH request?

A Select PATCH method

B Select DELETE method

C Select GET method

D Select POST method

You must select PATCH from the HTTP method dropdown to send a PATCH request.

Which method should you use to update an entire resource?

A PATCH

B GET

C PUT

D DELETE

PUT replaces the entire resource, unlike PATCH which updates parts.

Why might you prefer PATCH over PUT in API testing?

A PATCH is faster for partial updates

B PATCH deletes resources

C PATCH creates new resources

D PATCH returns full resource always

PATCH is efficient for partial updates because it sends only changed data.

Explain what a PATCH request is and when you would use it in API testing.

Think about updating only a part of a profile instead of the whole profile.

Describe how to send a PATCH request using Postman and how to verify it was successful.

Remember the HTTP method dropdown and response codes.