The ongoing debate between GraphQL and REST centers on their differing approaches to API management and data fetching, each catering to distinct needs in web application development. GraphQL, developed by Facebook in 2015, offers a dynamic and efficient data retrieval method, allowing clients to specify precisely what data they need, which is particularly beneficial for complex applications with evolving data models. It uses a single endpoint, supports real-time data updates, and is advantageous for reducing network overhead in mobile and real-time applications. REST, on the other hand, is an enduring architecture style introduced by Roy Fielding in 2000, known for its simplicity, statelessness, and extensive adoption across web services. It relies on multiple endpoints with fixed data structures, making it suitable for straightforward, cache-friendly applications. While GraphQL is favored for its flexibility and real-time capabilities, REST remains a robust choice for stable, resource-oriented projects. The choice between the two depends on specific project requirements, including factors like performance, data complexity, and ease of implementation.