Can you explain what the HTTP PATCH method means in the context of REST API?

The HTTP PATCH method is used for partial updates of a resource on the server. Unlike PUT, which typically replaces the entire resource, PATCH allows sending only the fields that need to be changed. In REST API, this is convenient when you want to update part of the data without affecting the rest.

Example: if a user has a profile with several fields and only the email needs to be changed, the PATCH request can contain only the new email value, and the other fields will remain unchanged.