PUT for full replacement in Rest API - Cheat Sheet & Quick Revision

Recall & Review

beginner

What does the HTTP PUT method do in REST APIs?

PUT replaces the entire resource at the given URL with the data sent in the request. It is used for full replacement of a resource.

beginner

When should you use PUT instead of PATCH?

Use PUT when you want to replace the whole resource. Use PATCH when you want to update only parts of the resource.

intermediate

If a resource does not exist, what can a PUT request do?

PUT can create the resource at the specified URL if it does not already exist.

intermediate

What is the difference between PUT and POST in REST APIs?

PUT is idempotent and replaces a resource at a known URL. POST is not idempotent and is used to create a resource or trigger actions, often at a server-defined URL.

intermediate

Example: What happens if you send a PUT request with partial data for a resource?

The resource will be replaced entirely with the partial data, potentially losing any fields not included in the request.

What does a PUT request typically do in REST APIs?

A Replace the entire resource at the URL

B Update only part of the resource

C Retrieve data from the server

D Delete the resource

PUT replaces the entire resource at the specified URL with the data sent.

Which HTTP method is idempotent and used for full replacement?

A POST

B PUT

C PATCH

D GET

PUT is idempotent and replaces the full resource.

If a resource does not exist, what can a PUT request do?

A Create the resource

B Delete another resource

C Do nothing

D Return an error

PUT can create the resource at the given URL if it does not exist.

What happens if you send partial data in a PUT request?

A The request fails

B Only the partial data is updated

C The server merges the data automatically

D The entire resource is replaced with the partial data

PUT replaces the whole resource, so partial data will overwrite missing fields.

Which method is better for updating only some fields of a resource?

A PUT

B POST

C PATCH

D DELETE

PATCH is designed for partial updates of a resource.

Explain how the PUT method works for full replacement in REST APIs.

Think about replacing a whole file instead of editing parts.

Describe the difference between PUT and PATCH methods.

Compare replacing a whole document vs. editing a paragraph.