What HTTP method is used to append data to a specific destination?

The HTTP method that is specifically used to append data to a resource is known as PATCH. This method is designed for making partial updates to a resource, allowing for the addition of new information without needing to send the entire resource representation.

In situations where only a small change or addition is necessary, using PATCH can be more efficient than other methods like PUT, which typically requires replacing the entire resource with a new version. PATCH supports the concept of patch documents where the client can specify just the changes required, thus enabling an append operation to a specific destination within a resource.

This capability makes PATCH particularly useful in APIs that handle data structures, where only certain fields might need to be updated or appended rather than re-sending the whole entity. Understanding how to utilize PATCH appropriately ensures that interactions with a web API are efficient and effective, particularly in scenarios involving updates to large datasets or complex objects.