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HTTP PROPPATCH Method

Sets or removes properties on a resource atomically in WebDAV.

SafetyUnsafe (State-Mutating)
IdempotencyIdempotent
CachingNon-Cacheable

What is the PROPPATCH method?

The PROPPATCH method is a WebDAV extension (RFC 4918) used by clients to set and remove properties on a resource, with all changes in a single request applied atomically.

API Usage & Best Practices

  • All or nothing: Every set and remove instruction in one PROPPATCH succeeds together or fails together, keeping the resource consistent.
  • Order your instructions: The server processes the XML instructions in document order, so structure them deliberately.
  • Idempotent updates: Reapplying the same PROPPATCH yields the same final property state, making retries safe.

Common Response Codes

  • 207 Multi-Status: The standard success response, reporting the outcome of each property change.
  • 409 Conflict: A property could not be set, for example because the parent resource is in an incompatible state.

Common Response Status Codes