What distinguishes PATCH from other HTTP methods like POST and PUT?

The distinguishing feature of the PATCH method is that it is specifically designed for applying partial modifications to existing resources. This characteristic sets it apart from other HTTP methods. For example, while POST is primarily used for creating new resources and PUT is intended for creating or completely replacing existing resources, PATCH allows for updates that affect only certain attributes of a resource without requiring the full resource representation.

The utility of PATCH becomes evident in scenarios where small changes need to be made to a resource, making it more efficient and bandwidth-friendly compared to sending the entire resource with PUT. Thus, when you want to modify an existing resource but only need to change a subset of its properties, PATCH is the appropriate choice.

By using PATCH, it enables a more granular control over resource representations and minimizes disruption to existing data, enhancing the overall efficiency of API interactions.