Is it okay if someone gets ‘204 no content’ in PATCH method?

444    Asked by EdythFerrill in Salesforce , Asked on Sep 19, 2023

 I was trying to make a PATCH request to update a contact in Salesforce via using API. The resource update seemed good to me. But its return was: 204 No Content in POSTMAN. As much as I understand, the status code 204 means that there was no body which was returned which could make sense since the PATCH method. All I need to know that if it is an error or is it okay to get this? 

Answered by Ethan Lucas

Status code 204 means No content does not imply any error code. It means a successful operation. The common use case is to give back 204 as it is considered a result of a PUT request. It also means updating resources without changing the present content of the page provided to the users.  Also, the error response documentation and Status Codes offer multiple status codes which are often used in Salesforce REST API Contexts regardless of it being used. So, the status code 204 means it is a response to a successful operation. 







Your Answer

Answers (2)

Yes, it is perfectly fine to receive a 204 No Content response when using the HTTP PATCH method. This status code indicates that the server has successfully processed the request, but there is no content to return in the response body. This is often used when an update operation (such as a PATCH) is performed, and there is no need to return any additional information to the client.

Understanding 204 No Content

The 204 No Content response is defined in the HTTP/1.1 specification (RFC 7231, Section 6.3.5). It is typically used in scenarios where the server successfully processes a request but does not need to send any payload in the response.

When to Use 204 No Content

Successful Updates: When a resource is updated successfully and there is no additional information to send back to the client.

No Response Needed: When the client does not need any further data after the operation is completed.

Efficient Communication: To minimize bandwidth usage by not sending unnecessary response bodies.

Example Scenario with PATCH

Consider a scenario where you are updating a user's profile information using a PATCH request. The server processes the update and confirms that it has been applied. However, the server does not need to return any additional information. In this case, a 204 No Content response is appropriate.

Example Request and Response

PATCH Request:

  PATCH /users/123 HTTP/1.1Host: example.comContent-Type: application/jsonAuthorization: Bearer your-token{  "email": "newemail@example.com"}

204 No Content Response:

  HTTP/1.1 204 No ContentBenefits of Using 204 No Content

Clarity: It clearly indicates that the request was successful but no content is returned.

Efficiency: Reduces unnecessary data transfer over the network.

Simplicity: Simplifies client-side logic by not requiring handling of response bodies for successful updates.

Summary

Receiving a 204 No Content response in a PATCH method is normal and indicates that the update operation was successful with no further content to return. This is a standard and efficient way to handle successful updates where no additional data needs to be communicated to the client.

1 Week

Status code 204 indicates No content does not imply an error code. It indicates a successful operation. The most common use case is to return 204, which is considered the result of a PUT request. It also refers to updating resources without changing the current content of the page provided to users. It's likely the easiest game you'll ever play, but Coreball will keep your attention for ages. You begin the game by utilizing your creativity and skill to finish each level.

2 Months
felix_8255
Yes, responding 204 No Content when making a PATCH request is completely normal and not an error. This is a valid response in the PATCH method.

When performing PATCH, we only update a part of the resource, so the server does not need to return the entire rice purity test quiz content of the updated resource. Instead, the server simply returns a 204 No Content status code to confirm that the request was processed successfully.

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