When should we use the PATCH HTTP method?

The HTTP methods [PATCH] can be used to update partial resources. For instance, when you only need to update one field of the resource, [PUT]ting a complete resource representation might be cumbersome and utilizes more bandwidth

PATCH /user/jthijssen HTTP/1.1
<user>
    <firstname>Joshua</firstname>
</user>

Also, the [PUT] method is idempotent. [PUT]ting the same data multiple times to the same resource, should not result in different resources, while [POST]ing to the same resource can result in the creation of multiple resources.

See also

• RFC 5789 - HTTP PATCH

Caveats

• [PATCH] is neither safe nor idempotent.
• An API implementing [PATCH] must patch atomically. It MUST not be possible that resources are half-patched when requested by a [GET].