What is HTTP PUT (PUT method)?
The HTTP PUT method is one of the request methods defined by the Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP). It is used to update or replace the current representation of a target resource on the server with the request payload data provided by the client.
The PUT method is predominantly used for **resource creation or modification**, as it allows the client to send data to the server and specify the location where the data should be stored or updated.
When a client sends a PUT request, it includes the URI (Uniform Resource Identifier) of the target resource in the request line and the updated representation of the resource in the request body.
Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how the PUT method works:
1. The client initiates a PUT request by including the target resource’s URI in the request line.
2. The client includes the updated representation of the resource in the request body, often in a format such as JSON or XML.
3. The client sends the request to the server.
4. The server receives the request and processes the data.
5. If the target resource exists, the server updates the resource with the provided data. If the resource doesn’t exist, the server creates a new resource at the specified location.
6. The server returns an appropriate HTTP response code, indicating the success or failure of the PUT request.
It is important to note that the PUT method is considered **idempotent**, meaning that multiple identical PUT requests should have the same effect as a single request. This allows clients to safely retry the same request multiple times without producing unintended side effects.
PUT is typically used in scenarios where the client knows the URI of the target resource and wants to update it directly. It is commonly used in **RESTful API architectures** for updating resources like user profiles, blog articles, or any other data that can be modified.
To summarize, the HTTP PUT method is used to update or create resources on a server. It plays a crucial role in the client-server interaction and is an essential component of the HTTP protocol.
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