HTTP 405 – Method Not Allowed

The HTTP 405 Method Not Allowed status code indicates that the server recognizes the request method (e.g., GET, POST, PUT, DELETE, etc.) but the target resource does not support it. This typically occurs when:

1. The requested HTTP method is not supported for the specific resource.
2. The server understands the method but has disabled or restricted it for the resource.

Common Causes

• Incorrect HTTP Method: For example, sending a POST request to an endpoint that only accepts GET.
• API Restrictions: The server may explicitly restrict certain methods for security or design reasons.
• Misconfigured Server: The server might not be properly configured to handle the requested method for the resource.

How to Fix

1. Check the API Documentation: Ensure you’re using the correct HTTP method for the endpoint.
2. Inspect the Request: Verify that the request method matches what the server expects.
3. Server-Side Configuration: If you control the server, ensure the resource is configured to accept the requested method.
4. Use OPTIONS: Send an OPTIONS request to the server to determine which methods are allowed for the resource. The response will include an Allow header listing supported methods.

Example

If you send a DELETE request to a resource that only supports GET and POST, the server might respond:

HTTP/1.1 405 Method Not Allowed
Allow: GET, POST
Content-Type: application/json

{
  "error": "Method Not Allowed",
  "message": "The DELETE method is not supported for this resource."
}

Client-Side Handling

• Check the Allow header in the response to determine which methods are supported.
• Update your client code to use the correct method.

Server-Side Handling

• Ensure your server is configured to handle all intended HTTP methods.
• Return the Allow header in the response to inform clients of supported methods.

Let me know if you need further clarification!