HTTP PUT vs. POST: Key Differences Explained 🚀

Both PUT and POST are used to send data to a server in REST APIs, but they serve different purposes. Choosing the correct method ensures better API design and predictable behavior.

This guide covers:
✔ The Purpose of PUT and POST
✔ Key Differences Between PUT and POST
✔ Real-World Examples
✔ Best Practices for Choosing the Right Method

Let’s dive in! 🚀

🔹 What is HTTP PUT?

📌 PUT is used to update or create a resource at a specific URI.
📌 It is idempotent — multiple identical requests result in the same outcome.

✅ Use Case:

• When the client specifies the resource ID.
• Used for updating an existing resource or creating a resource at a fixed location.

📌 Example: Updating a User Profile

PUT /users/123
Content-Type: application/json

{
  "id": 123,
  "name": "Amit Sharma",
  "email": "amit@example.com"
}

📌 If the resource exists: ✅ It is updated.
📌 If the resource does NOT exist: ✅ It is created at /users/123.

✅ Key Properties of PUT:
✔ Replaces the entire resource (must send all fields).
✔ Idempotent — making multiple identical requests does not change the outcome.
✔ The client specifies the resource…