What does the PUT method in HTTP do?

The PUT method in HTTP is primarily designed for updating existing resources on a server. When a client sends a request using the PUT method, it typically includes the data to be updated or replaced at a specified resource. This operation is idempotent, meaning that calling the same PUT request multiple times will produce the same result as calling it once. For instance, if a resource is updated with specific data using PUT, re-sending that same data will not change the resource further.

In contrast, the other options describe different HTTP methods: DELETE removes resources, GET is used to retrieve information, and POST is typically utilized to create new resources. Understanding the distinct purpose of PUT as it relates to updating resources is crucial for effective web programming and API interactions.