The GitHub GraphQL API is a significant development that marks a massive leap forward for API design. It offers several key benefits over traditional REST APIs, including the ability to request exactly what data is needed, reducing the number of requests required and improving performance. The API is also self-documenting and strongly-typed, making it easier to maintain and use. GitHub's new API is notable because it is a large-scale, public GraphQL API, and its adoption is expected to be significant due to the growing interest in GraphQL technology. The API itself is well-documented and easy to explore using tools like GraphiQL or Apollo Client, allowing developers to build powerful applications against the API. With ongoing development and refinement, the GitHub GraphQL API will continue to evolve and improve, offering a robust platform for developers to build on.