Understanding HTTP Methods

Introduction

In microservices and API development, understanding HTTP methods is essential for building RESTful APIs. HTTP methods define the actions that can be performed on resources identified by URLs.

HTTP Methods Overview

HTTP methods indicate the desired action to be performed on a resource. The most common methods are:

GET
POST
PUT
DELETE
PATCH

Detailed HTTP Methods

1. GET

The GET method is used to retrieve data from a specified resource.

GET /api/users

This request fetches all users.

2. POST

The POST method is used to submit data to be processed to a specified resource.

POST /api/users

This request creates a new user.

3. PUT

The PUT method is used to update a current resource with new data.

PUT /api/users/1

This request updates user with ID 1.

4. DELETE

The DELETE method is used to remove a specified resource.

DELETE /api/users/1

This request deletes the user with ID 1.

5. PATCH

The PATCH method is used to apply partial modifications to a resource.

PATCH /api/users/1

This request updates specific fields of user with ID 1.

Best Practices

Key Takeaways

Use appropriate HTTP methods for actions.
Ensure idempotency for PUT and DELETE methods.
Use meaningful URLs that represent resources.
Handle errors gracefully with appropriate status codes.
Follow RESTful principles for resource-oriented architecture.

Note: Always include proper authentication and authorization for sensitive operations.

FAQ

What is the difference between PUT and PATCH?

PUT updates a resource entirely, while PATCH applies partial updates.

When should I use POST instead of PUT?

Use POST when creating a resource and PUT when updating an existing resource.

What are HTTP status codes?

HTTP status codes indicate the result of an HTTP request. They inform the client whether the request was successful, failed, or redirected.