Question

Difference between esterification and saponification??

Answer 1

esterification 
RCOOH + R1COH + H+ ---> RCOOCR1 

saponification 
RCOOCR1 + OH- (usually NaOH) ---> RCOONa + R1COH 


so esterification uses catalytic acid, acid and alcohol to make esters 
saponification uses at least 1 equivalent sodium hydroxide (or KOH) to make acid salt, alcohol 

so they are opposites of a single reaction forwards is esterification; backwards is saponification. 

Answer 2

esterification 1. reactants are carboxylic acid and alcohol

                      2. catalyst is a base  

                      3.products are an ester and water  

                      4.  (write full equation)

saponification 1. reactants are ester and NaOH  

                         2. catalyst is a base (NaOH)

                         3. products are sodium acetate and alcohol

                        4. (write equation)

we can add one more point about the uses of ester and soap  

i hope this helps