title: How to submit RESTful partial updates?
body: <p>Sam Ruby, author of "RESTful Web Services" seems to come out against the use of HTTP PUT for partial updates: <a href="http://intertwingly.net/blog/2008/02/15/Embrace-Extend-then-Innovate" rel="noreferrer">http://intertwingly.net/blog/2008/02/15/Embrace-Extend-then-Innovate</a></p>
  
  <p>What isn't clear is how partial updates <em>should</em> take place. As I commented near the bottom of his blog, it isn't clear how using HTTP PATCH is any better than using a "patch document" against HTTP PUT.</p>
  
  <p>It is worth noting that although Sam comes out against misusing HTTP PUT he doesn't seem to advocate the use of HTTP PATCH either.</p>
  
  <p>How should one submit RESTful partial updates?</p>