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What is the difference between REST and OData?

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Answer with Explanation

OData is built on REST principles but provides standardized query capabilities like filtering, selecting, and expanding data, which REST alone does not define.

REST is an architectural style for building APIs using HTTP methods.
OData is a protocol built on REST that provides standardized query capabilities like:

  • $filter

  • $select

  • $expand

  • $orderby

So REST defines how APIs work, while OData defines how to query data in a standardized way.