REST endpoints return predefined fields, which simplifies caching but often leads to over-fetching. GraphQL lets clients request only the fields they need, reducing payload size, while query interpretation makes server-side caching more complex. Large headless platforms such as Contentful and Sanity commonly provide both options. A hybrid approach can cache listing pages through REST and retrieve precise field combinations for complex detail pages through GraphQL.
Some websites are seeing sharp increases in site: operator queries in Search Console performance reports. Explore possible causes, measurement effects and diagnostic responses.
