Batch update patterns in Rest API - Cheat Sheet & Quick Revision

Recall & Review

beginner

What is a batch update in REST APIs?

A batch update is a way to send multiple update requests in a single API call, reducing the number of network requests and improving efficiency.

beginner

Name two common HTTP methods used for batch updates.

PATCH and PUT are commonly used for batch updates. PATCH is for partial updates, while PUT usually replaces the entire resource.

intermediate

What is the advantage of using a single endpoint for batch updates?

Using a single endpoint for batch updates reduces network overhead, simplifies client code, and can ensure atomicity if supported by the server.

intermediate

Explain the difference between atomic and non-atomic batch updates.

Atomic batch updates mean all updates succeed or all fail together, ensuring consistency. Non-atomic updates may partially succeed, requiring error handling for partial failures.

beginner

What is a common JSON structure for sending batch updates in REST APIs?

A common structure is an array of objects, each containing the resource ID and the fields to update, for example: [{"id":1, "field":"value"}, {"id":2, "field":"value2"}].

Which HTTP method is typically used for partial batch updates in REST APIs?

A PATCH

B GET

C POST

D DELETE

PATCH is used for partial updates, making it suitable for batch updates where only some fields change.

What is a key benefit of batch updating resources in one API call?

A Increases server load

B Reduces network requests

C Requires multiple endpoints

D Slows down response time

Batch updates reduce the number of network requests, improving efficiency.

In a batch update, what does atomicity ensure?

A Updates are ignored

B Updates happen one by one

C Partial updates are allowed

D All updates succeed or none do

Atomicity means either all updates succeed together or all fail, preventing partial changes.

Which JSON format is commonly used to send batch updates?

A A boolean value

B A single string

C An array of update objects

D A number

Batch updates are usually sent as an array of objects, each describing an update.

If a batch update partially fails, what is a common approach?

A Return detailed error info for failed items

B Ignore errors silently

C Delete all resources

D Restart the server

APIs often return detailed errors for failed updates so clients can handle them properly.

Describe how batch update patterns improve REST API efficiency and what challenges they might introduce.

Think about how sending many updates at once affects speed and complexity.

Explain the difference between using PATCH and PUT methods in batch updates.

Consider how much data you want to change in each resource.