Enhancing API Interactions in NetSuite 2026.1: Introducing PATCH Method Support

NetSuite 2026.1 has brought significant enhancements to its SuiteScript API, notably the introduction of the PATCH method in both the N/http and N/https modules. This new feature expands the possibilities for developers and administrators by enabling more refined operations when interacting with external services or making internal Suitelet calls.

Overview of PATCH Method

The PATCH method is commonly used in RESTful APIs to apply partial modifications to a resource, rather than replacing the entire resource as done with PUT. This makes PATCH a more efficient choice in scenarios where you only need to update a subset of a resource's fields without affecting the others.

Available Functions

In NetSuite, the PATCH method can be utilized with the following functions:

• http.request(options)
• https.request(options)
• https.requestSuitelet(options)
• clientCertificate.request(options)

How to Use the PATCH Method

To leverage the PATCH method, you need to specify it in the options parameter when making your API call. Here is a basic example using the http.request function:

require(['N/http'], function(http) {
    var response = http.request({
        url: 'https://api.yourdomain.com/resource',
        method: http.Method.PATCH,
        headers: {
            'Content-Type': 'application/json'
        },
        body: JSON.stringify({
            fieldName: 'newValue'
        })
    });
    log.debug('Response', response.body);
});

Important Considerations

While implementing the PATCH method, keep in mind the following best practices and caveats:

• Ensure the API endpoint you are interacting with supports PATCH. If it does not, NetSuite will return an HTTP 405 error, indicating that the method is not allowed.
• Test your requests thoroughly to ensure that they only affect the intended fields.
• Use appropriate error handling to capture and manage any exceptions or errors returned by the API.

Conclusion

The introduction of the PATCH method in NetSuite's SuiteScript APIs signifies a step toward more flexible and efficient data management strategies. By allowing partial updates, developers can optimize their API interactions and minimize unnecessary data transfer, improving overall application performance.

Key Takeaways

• The PATCH method allows partial updates to resources, enhancing API interaction efficiency.
• Available with http.request, https.request, https.requestSuitelet, and clientCertificate.request.
• Always verify if the target API endpoint supports the PATCH method to avoid HTTP 405 errors.
• Implement thorough testing and error handling for robust integration.

This new feature will empower your development processes and offer improved functionalities in NetSuite 2026.1 and beyond.