HTTP 206 Partial Content vs 428 Precondition Required
HTTP 206 (Partial Content) is a 2xx Success response, while 428 (Precondition Required) is a 4xx Client Error response. 206 indicates that the server is delivering only part of the resource due to a Range header sent by the client. Used for resumable downloads and video streaming. In contrast, 428 means that the server requires the request to be conditional (e.g., include If-Match header) to prevent lost updates.
Description
The server is delivering only part of the resource due to a Range header sent by the client. Used for resumable downloads and video streaming.
When You See It
During video streaming, large file downloads, or when resuming interrupted downloads.
How to Fix
No fix needed. This is normal behavior for range requests.
Description
The server requires the request to be conditional (e.g., include If-Match header) to prevent lost updates.
When You See It
When an API requires optimistic concurrency control via ETags.
How to Fix
Fetch the resource first to get its ETag, then include If-Match in your update request.
Key Differences
206 is a 2xx Success response, while 428 is a 4xx Client Error response.
HTTP 206: The server is delivering only part of the resource due to a Range header sent by the client. Used for resumable downloads and video streaming.
HTTP 428: The server requires the request to be conditional (e.g., include If-Match header) to prevent lost updates.
You encounter 206 when during video streaming, large file downloads, or when resuming interrupted downloads.
You encounter 428 when when an API requires optimistic concurrency control via ETags.
When to Use Which
For 206 (Partial Content): No fix needed. This is normal behavior for range requests. For 428 (Precondition Required): Fetch the resource first to get its ETag, then include If-Match in your update request.