ASP.NET Core Web API Interview Question #9

What are the main HTTP methods used in REST APIs?

Web API & REST Fundamentals, Controllers, HTTP Methods & Status Codes Junior Beginner

Quick Interview Answer

GET retrieves a resource or collection. POST commonly creates a new resource or submits a command. PUT commonly replaces or fully updates a resource at a known URI. PATCH applies a partial update. DELETE removes a resource.

Detailed Explanation

GET retrieves a resource or collection. POST commonly creates a new resource or submits a command. PUT commonly replaces or fully updates a resource at a known URI. PATCH applies a partial update. DELETE removes a resource.

HTTP methods have defined semantics, so API design should use them consistently rather than treating every operation as an arbitrary POST.

Code Example

GET    /api/products/10
POST   /api/products
PUT    /api/products/10
PATCH  /api/products/10
DELETE /api/products/10