DELETE for removing resources in Rest API - Cheat Sheet & Quick Revision

Recall & Review

beginner

What is the purpose of the DELETE method in REST APIs?

The DELETE method is used to remove a specific resource from the server. It tells the server to delete the resource identified by the URL.

beginner

How do you specify which resource to delete in a REST API?

You specify the resource to delete by including its unique identifier in the URL path. For example, DELETE /users/123 deletes the user with ID 123.

beginner

What HTTP status code usually indicates a successful DELETE request?

A successful DELETE request often returns status code 200 (OK) or 204 (No Content), meaning the resource was deleted successfully.

intermediate

Can the DELETE method have a request body?

Usually, DELETE requests do not have a body because the resource to delete is identified by the URL. Some APIs may allow a body, but it's uncommon.

beginner

What happens if you try to DELETE a resource that does not exist?

The server usually responds with a 404 (Not Found) status code, indicating the resource to delete was not found.

Which HTTP method is used to remove a resource in REST APIs?

A DELETE

B GET

C POST

D PUT

DELETE is the HTTP method designed to remove resources from the server.

What status code indicates a successful DELETE request with no content returned?

A 200

B 201

C 204

D 404

204 No Content means the resource was deleted successfully and no content is returned.

How do you specify which resource to delete in a DELETE request?

A In the request body

B In the URL path

C In the request headers

D In the query parameters

The resource to delete is identified by its unique URL path.

What response code is expected if the resource to delete does not exist?

A 200

B 302

C 500

D 404

404 Not Found means the resource was not found on the server.

Is it common to send a request body with a DELETE request?

A No, usually not sent

B Yes, always required

C Only for deleting multiple resources

D Only if the server requires authentication

DELETE requests usually do not have a body; the resource is identified by the URL.

Explain how the DELETE method works in REST APIs and how you specify the resource to delete.

Think about how you tell the server what to delete and what response you get.

What are common HTTP status codes returned after a DELETE request and what do they mean?

Focus on success and error codes related to deleting.