| Feature | REST | OData |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Architectural style for web services | A protocol based on REST for querying and updating data |
| Standardization | Not strictly standardized | Fully standardized (by OASIS and ISO) |
| Query Support | Limited or custom | Rich query support via URL options ($filter, $select, etc.) |
| Metadata | Not provided by default | Automatically exposes metadata ($metadata) |
| Data Format | Typically JSON or XML | Supports JSON and Atom (XML) |
| CRUD Operations | Uses HTTP methods (GET, POST, PUT, DELETE) | Uses same HTTP methods with structured rules |
| Relationship Handling | Requires custom implementation | Built-in support for entity relationships |
| Use Case | Flexible, generic API design | Structured data-centric APIs, often used in enterprise apps |
DPM125Beginner