GraphQL

GraphQL is a data query language for APIs and a server-side runtime (originally developed by Facebook in 2012) that lets clients request *exactly* the data they need, eliminating the over-fetching common with traditional REST endpoints.

This is a client-driven specification: it shifts data control to the consumer. Unlike REST, GraphQL uses a single endpoint, allowing clients to send a query that specifies the precise data fields required, minimizing payload size and network calls. The API's capabilities are defined by a strongly-typed schema (Schema Definition Language), which acts as a contract between the client and server. This schema enables powerful tooling and introspection. Major platforms like GitHub, Shopify, and Yelp have adopted GraphQL, proving its efficiency for complex, evolving data requirements.

https://graphql.org