RESTful API and GraphQL are two different approaches for building APIs.

RESTful APIs rely on predefined endpoints for different operations. Each endpoint corresponds to a specific resource (e.g., /users for user data) and HTTP methods like GET, POST, PUT, and DELETE determine the action performed. REST APIs can sometimes lead to over-fetching or under-fetching of data, as they return a fixed set of data for each request.

GraphQL, on the other hand, is more flexible. It allows clients to query exactly the data they need using a single endpoint. Instead of multiple HTTP methods, GraphQL uses queries, mutations, and subscriptions to retrieve, modify, and monitor data. This flexibility ensures that clients get only the necessary data, avoiding the over-fetching issue. However, GraphQL's complexity can lead to challenges in implementation, especially in optimizing nested queries or managing permissions.

While RESTful APIs are easier to scale and cache, GraphQL offers more control over data retrieval and is preferred in modern, dynamic applications.

If you're looking to deepen your understanding of these concepts, consider enrolling in a comprehensive web development course to master both REST and GraphQL.