REST or GraphQL: Which API Style Should Developers Choose?

Choosing between REST and GraphQL is a common architectural decision that can affect complexity, performance, and maintenance. REST organizes functionality around resources, each with its own URL accessed through standard HTTP methods such as GET, POST, PUT, PATCH, and DELETE. GraphQL instead typically exposes a single endpoint where clients specify exactly which fields and related data they need in one query. The article explains that each approach differs in endpoint structure, data fetching, caching, versioning, and learning curve, and that GraphQL also supports mutations and real-time subscriptions. It concludes that the right choice depends on the specific problem being solved rather than on the assumption that one approach is inherently superior.