What is DELETE used for?

DELETE is an HTTP method used to delete a resource on the server.

In simple terms: DELETE is needed to tell the server: "delete this object".

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#The main purpose of DELETE

DELETE is used when you need to:

• delete a record (a user, an order, a file)
• delete a resource at a specific URL
• remove an object from the system

The typical meaning of DELETE:

"Delete the resource located at this address"

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#How DELETE works

1. The client sends an HTTP request with the DELETE method
2. The URL specifies exactly what needs to be deleted
3. The server:

• finds the resource
• deletes it (or marks it as deleted)

4. The server returns an HTTP response

Usually no request body is needed, all the information is in the URL.

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#A key property of DELETE

#Idempotency

DELETE is considered idempotent:

• the first request: the resource is deleted
• a repeated DELETE: the same result (the resource is simply already gone)

This matters for an API's reliability.

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#DELETE vs POST (briefly)

• POST - create or perform an action
• DELETE - delete a resource

DELETE always works on a specific resource.

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#What the server returns after DELETE

Possible options:

• 200 OK - the deletion was performed
• 204 No Content - deleted, but with no response body
• 404 Not Found - the resource was not found

All of them are normal responses.

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#Real-life example

DELETE is like:

• removing a contact from a phone
• erasing a file
• cancelling an order

You are removing an object, not changing it.

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#Short answer for an interview

Remember this wording:

DELETE is used to delete a resource on the server and is an idempotent HTTP method.