What is the difference between REST and GraphQL?

Answer

REST exposes data through multiple fixed endpoints, each returning a predefined resource representation, and relies on HTTP verbs and status codes. GraphQL exposes a single endpoint and lets the client specify exactly which fields it wants in one query, avoiding over-fetching and under-fetching. REST is simpler to cache with standard HTTP tooling, while GraphQL offers flexible queries at the cost of more complex caching and server-side query-cost controls. Choose REST for simple, resource-oriented APIs and GraphQL when clients need varied, nested data with fewer round trips.