Understanding HTTP Methods: PUT vs POST Explained

HTTP methods like PUT and POST are fundamental to how resources are manipulated in web applications. In this comprehensive guide, we explore the intricacies of these methods, their differences, and when to use each within your API architecture.

What is the PUT HTTP Method?

PUT is a request method used to update or create a resource at a specific URI location. Here are the key features of the PUT method:

• Resource Identification: The URI itself serves as the identifier for the resource.
• Request Body: Contains the entire updated resource representation.
• Idempotency: Repeating the same PUT request yields the same result.
• Resource Handling: If the resource exists, it is completely replaced with the contents of the request body; if not, a new resource is created.

In essence, PUT is ideal for operations where you want to completely replace an existing resource with updated data, making it suitable for RESTful APIs focused on resource updates.

What is the POST HTTP Method?

POST is another HTTP method used to submit data to a specified URI to create a new resource. Here are its defining characteristics:

• URI Handling: Specifies the URI where the request data will be processed.
• Request Body: Contains data for creating a new resource.
• Non-Idempotent: Repeating the same POST request may result in different outcomes.
• Resource Creation: Often used to create new resources; supports optional empty request bodies.

POST is versatile and commonly used in scenarios where you need to create new instances of resources, such as adding a new user or posting a comment.

Example of PUT and POST in Action

Let’s illustrate the differences with examples:

// PUT example
PUT /users/1
{
  "id": 1,
  "name": "Ichiro",
  "age": 22
}

This PUT request updates the user with ID 1 with new information.

// POST example
POST /users
{
  "name": "Saburo",
  "age": 18
}

This POST request creates a new user with the provided details.

Key Differences Between PUT and POST

The primary distinctions between PUT and POST are:

• Request Body: PUT sends the full updated resource data; POST sends data for creating a new resource.
• URI Usage: PUT identifies the resource directly; POST specifies the collection where the resource will be created.
• Idempotency: PUT requests are idempotent (consistent results); POST requests are not.
• Resource Handling: PUT replaces the entire resource; POST can partially update or create new resources.

Apidog: Supporting All HTTP Methods

Apidog is designed to support all HTTP methods seamlessly, empowering developers with tools for efficient API design, testing, mocking, and deployment. Whether you’re working with PUT, POST, or any other HTTP method, Apidog ensures straightforward handling and integration.

Explore Apidog to streamline your API development process, from designing APIs to testing and beyond. With Apidog, managing HTTP methods like PUT and POST becomes intuitive and efficient.

Apidog is free to get started, begin your API development journey with it today!