GraphQL is a query language that serves as a specification for APIs, offering several benefits including predictability, simplicity, and error reduction. To get started with GraphQL, developers can use Apollo's apollo-link-rest library, which allows them to test out GraphQL without fully integrating it into their backend. By using this library, developers can refactor their existing REST API-based applications to use GraphQL, making it easier to grow and stay up-to-date with the latest technologies. The tutorial demonstrates how to implement a GraphQL client that talks to REST endpoints, create a proof-of-concept (POC) to convince teams to adopt GraphQL, and integrate GraphQL into a React application using Apollo Client and apollo-link-rest.