HTTP PATCH
HTTP PATCH is a method defined in the HTTP protocol (RFC 5789) used to apply partial modifications to a resource on a web server. Unlike PUT, which replaces the entire resource, PATCH allows for efficient updates by sending only the changes, such as adding, modifying, or removing specific fields. It is commonly used in RESTful APIs to optimize network traffic and reduce the risk of conflicts when multiple clients edit the same resource.
Developers should use HTTP PATCH when building or consuming APIs that require incremental updates to resources, such as editing user profiles, updating order statuses, or modifying configuration settings. It is particularly useful in scenarios where bandwidth is limited or when avoiding full resource replacement to prevent data loss and improve performance in collaborative applications.