The right AIfor every task

REST uses fixed endpoints with standard HTTP methods. Each endpoint returns a predefined data structure.

GraphQL lets clients request exactly the data they need through a single endpoint with a query language.

Choose REST when: - Simple CRUD operations - Caching is critical - Team prefers convention over configuration

The fundamental difference is in how they handle data fetching.

REST organizes APIs around resources — each URL represents a thing. GraphQL organizes around queries — you describe what you want.

I'd recommend GraphQL when your frontend has complex, nested data needs (like a social feed with posts → comments → users).

Here's a practical comparison:

Aspect REST GraphQL -------- ------ -------- Endpoints Multiple Single Over-fetching Common Eliminated Caching Built-in HTTP Requires setup Learning curve Lower Higher

For most projects, start with REST. Move to GraphQL when you have multiple clients with different data needs.