Patch.request() in Node.js

In this article, we will discuss the patch.request() method in Node.js with its examples.

In Node.js, the patch method is used to apply partial modifications to the resources. We can use different http client libraries in Node.js like "Axios", "node-fetch", "http", etc., to perform patch operations to the resource. Unlike the put method, which requires sending the entire resource for an update, the patch method only requires the fields that need to be updated. While creating a RESTful API for updating the resources, we can use both patches and put requests in which patch works efficiently.

Applications of Patch.request() method in Node.js:

Some general applications where patch request is used:

• Updating the user profile information.
• Updating the login password for applications.
• Modifying the status of the order in an e-commerce application.
• Modifying the configuration setting in a web application.

Example:

Let us take a program to illustrate the patch method in Node.js.

Steps to run the above application:

• First, we have to create a folder and name it, let the name is "patch_request".
• Now, go to that directory.
• Next, create a package.json file using the command "npm init"
• Now install the necessary packages like express and axios using the command "npm install express".
• After that, create a file and name it. Let it be "server.js".
• Server.js file is the starting point of the node.js application where the above code is written
• Use the command "node server.js" to run the application.

Output:

Posting the product

Using patch

Accessing the product

Explanation:

Initially, all the necessary modules, such as express, are imported, and then an express object is created. After that, instead of using the database, a temporary JavaScript object is used to store the data items that the user posts.

There are three routes defined in the above applications for adding data, modifying data, and accessing data. The post method is used to add the data item to the object. Here, the data item contains the ID, name, price, and brand of the products. Products are added using this method. After that, another route Patch method is used to modify the given product of the given id. In the Patch method, the user will give the fields that have to be updated and the ID of the product; this product is modified in the product's object. The Get method is used to fetch the product details.

Another way of using the patch request:

• Using axios package
  Axios is a popular HTTP client that makes requests from a browser or node.js application. It can also perform PATCH requests. To install Axios, use the command "npm install Axios" and then use the code snippet below for a patch request.

Code snippet for patch request:

Explanation:

The above code snippet uses Axios for patch requests. Initially, we have to import the Axios library. After that, set the base URL where the server is running. Next, a function is written to send the patch request. The parameters of the function are the id of the product and updates of the products. Try-and-catch statements are used to handle the errors. If any error occurs, then the catch method will throw an error statement.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the PATCH method is a powerful tool for making partial updates to resources, providing efficiency and flexibility compared to the PUT method. Using libraries like Axios simplifies the process of sending PATCH requests in Node.js applications. This approach is particularly useful in scenarios such as updating user profiles or modifying configuration settings, making it an essential feature in RESTful APIs.