✅JSON Patch Test Operation
Verify values before applying changes
RFC 6902
test operation
What is the Test Operation?
The test operation checks if the value at the specified path matches the expected value. If the test fails, the entire patch sequence is aborted. This enables conditional patching and optimistic concurrency control.
Syntax
{ "op": "test", "path": "/path/to/check", "value": <expected value> }
Examples
Test Before Update
Verify a value before replacing it
Patch:
[
{ "op": "test", "path": "/version", "value": 1 },
{ "op": "replace", "path": "/version", "value": 2 }
]
Before:
{ "version": 1, "data": "..." }
After:
{ "version": 2, "data": "..." }
Test Object Match
Verify an entire object matches
Patch:
{ "op": "test", "path": "/user", "value": { "id": 1 } }
Before:
{ "user": { "id": 1 } }
After:
Patch succeeds if match, fails otherwise
Conditional Delete
Only remove if value matches
Patch:
[
{ "op": "test", "path": "/status", "value": "pending" },
{ "op": "remove", "path": "/status" }
]
Before:
{ "status": "pending" }
After:
{ }
Common Use Cases
- Optimistic concurrency control
- Conditional updates based on current state
- Preventing race conditions
- Validating assumptions before changes
Best Practices
- Place test operations before related modifications
- Use for version checking and conflict detection
- Deep equality comparison for objects and arrays
- Essential for safe concurrent updates
Try the Test Operation Now
Use our free online JSON Patch generator to create test patches instantly
🚀 Open JSON Patch Generator