Rest API for both create and update

Question

What is the preferred way of handling create and update request in a REST api?

On my frontend i am using the same form for both creating and updating, the only difference is that in case of update a hidden form field with id is filled.

Is it ok to send both requests to /api/post with POST method and based on the id decide whether to post or update? Or should this be handled otherwise?

Answer 1

If you want to follow REST principles, separating the endpoint like below is preferred.

POST  api/collections       (e.g. api/users)
PUT   api/collections/:id   (e.g. api/users/23)

There are 2 reasons to separate the endpoint.

• PUT has to be idempotent, while POST does not.

• If the URL of the resource (like api/users/23) is already there, use PUT. If not, send POST and let the server generate URL. (In many cases, it uses DB's auto-increment key)

Of course, it is up to you to decide whether you follow REST principles.

Reference https://restcookbook.com/HTTP%20Methods/put-vs-post/