📖 What is Microsoft Graph API?
Microsoft Graph API is the unified gateway to data and intelligence in Microsoft 365. It provides a single endpoint to access data across users, groups, calendars, emails, and files, enabling developers to build integrated apps and complex automation.
"Sensei says: For automation questions, look for 'Graph API' as the answer when the task involves bulk data retrieval or cross-service operations."
📚 Certification: Microsoft 365 Administrator (MS-102)
🔑 What are the Key Concepts of Microsoft Graph API?
- ▸ Unified Endpoint: Provides a single RESTful endpoint (graph.microsoft.com) to access data across multiple M365 services, eliminating the need for separate API calls for each service.
- ▸ Authentication and Authorization: Relies on Microsoft Entra ID using OAuth 2.0 to secure access and ensure users or applications have the necessary permissions to access data.
- ▸ Permission Types: Distinguishes between Delegated permissions, which act on behalf of a signed-in user, and Application permissions, which run as a background service without a user.
- ▸ Resource-Based Model: Organizes data into resources like users, groups, and drives, allowing complex queries to retrieve related data across different services in a single request.
- ▸ Graph Explorer: An interactive tool used by administrators to test API queries and validate responses before implementing them into automation scripts or custom applications.
🎯 How does Microsoft Graph API appear on the MS-102 Exam?
You may be asked to identify the best method for automating the retrieval of user profile data and calendar availability across a large organization for a custom dashboard.
A scenario might describe a need to perform bulk updates to group memberships or user attributes that exceed the practical limits of the Microsoft 365 Admin Center.
Expect questions where you must choose between using the Graph API or a specific service PowerShell module for cross-service data integration and complex automation tasks.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
When should I use Graph API instead of PowerShell?
Use Graph API for custom application development, high-scale automation, or when integrating M365 data with non-Microsoft tools. PowerShell is generally better for quick administrative tasks and one-off configuration changes.
What is the critical difference between Delegated and Application permissions?
Delegated permissions require a user to be present and are limited by that user's own access levels. Application permissions allow a service to access data globally without a user signed in.