PATCH for partial updates in Rest API

Introduction

PATCH lets you change only some parts of data without sending everything again. It saves time and data.

You want to update just the email address of a user without changing other details.

You need to fix a typo in a product description without resending the whole product info.

You want to mark a task as done without changing its title or deadline.

You want to update the status of an order without resending customer info.

Syntax

Rest API

PATCH /resource/{id}
{
  "field_to_update": "new_value"
}

PATCH requests include only the fields you want to change.

The server updates those fields and keeps the rest unchanged.

Examples

Update only the email of user with ID 123.

Rest API

PATCH /users/123
{
  "email": "[e-mail]"
}

Mark task 456 as completed without changing other details.

Rest API

PATCH /tasks/456
{
  "completed": true
}

Sample Program

This Python code sends a PATCH request to update only the phone number of user 123. It prints success or failure and shows updated data.

Rest API

import requests

url = 'https://api.example.com/users/123'

# Data to update only the phone number
patch_data = {
    "phone": "[phone]"
}

response = requests.patch(url, json=patch_data)

if response.status_code == 200:
    print('Update successful')
    print('Updated user data:', response.json())
else:
    print('Update failed with status:', response.status_code)

Important Notes

PATCH is different from PUT, which replaces the whole resource.

Always send only the fields you want to change with PATCH.

Some servers may not support PATCH; check API docs.

Summary

PATCH updates parts of data without sending everything.

Use PATCH to save bandwidth and time when changing small details.

Send only the fields you want to update in the PATCH request body.