What is minimal API and how is it different from controllers?

Short answer: Minimal APIs are lightweight endpoints defined with top-level statements, no controller classes. Ideal for microservices or simple APIs. Less ceremony and fewer files. Controllers provide richer features (filters, model binding, action results).

Real-world example (ShopNest)

ShopNest registers AppDbContext as Scoped and IMemoryCache as Singleton. Putting DbContext in a Singleton causes threading bugs.

Say this in the interview

1. Define — one clear sentence (the short answer above).
2. Example — relate it to a project like ShopNest or your real work.
3. Trade-off — when you would not use it.