What type of request allows a developer to update a store's opening hours using external applications?

The correct approach to update a store's opening hours using external applications involves utilizing a specific type of request known as a PATCH request. This method is designed to make partial updates to existing resources without altering the entire entity, which is essential when only specific fields, like opening hours, need modification.

The PATCH request allows developers to send only the data that needs to be updated. In the context of updating a store's opening hours, this means providing the new opening hours while leaving the other attributes of the store unchanged. This efficiency is important in a typical development environment where many attributes could exist, and it is vital to modify just what is necessary.

Other types of requests, such as GET or POST, serve different purposes. A GET request is primarily used for retrieving data without affecting the server's state, while a POST request typically adds new data rather than modifying existing data. A DELETE request is used to remove resources entirely from the server. Thus, using the PATCH method specifically addresses the need to update existing data, making it the most appropriate choice for this scenario.