REST API vs GraphQL Comparison

REST vs GraphQL

Two approaches to building APIs. REST uses multiple endpoints; GraphQL uses one endpoint with flexible queries.

The Core Difference

// REST — multiple endpoints, fixed responses
GET /users/1
GET /users/1/posts

// GraphQL — one endpoint, you specify exactly what you want
POST /graphql
{ user(id: 1) { name posts { title } } }

Comparison

Aspect	REST	GraphQL
Endpoints	Many	One
Data fetching	Fixed	Client decides
Over-fetching	Common	Avoided
Learning curve	Easy	Steeper

GraphQL Solves Over-Fetching

With REST you often get more data than needed. GraphQL returns exactly the fields you request — efficient for mobile.

When to Use Each

• REST — simple APIs, caching, public APIs.
• GraphQL — complex/nested data, many clients, mobile.

FAQs

Is GraphQL replacing REST?

No — both coexist. REST is still more common and simpler. More in our API Development section.

Which is easier to start with?

REST — it's based on familiar HTTP methods.