Before GraphQL was developed, content delivery was done through REST APIs. It had shortcomings around over-fetching and under-fetching.
However, the rise of GraphQL in 2015 introduced an innovative approach to data querying and manipulation, meeting the modern needs of content delivery.
Why is GraphQL ideal for content delivery?
GraphQL was developed by Facebook in 2012 as a response to the evolving requirements of modern web and mobile applications.
GraphQL highlighted several traditional REST API approaches, which struggled to handle the complex, interconnected data models of modern social applications.
Let’s explore the top reasons that make GraphQL ideal:
Efficiency in data retrieval
This is a cornerstone of GraphQL's design, directly addressing the challenges of bandwidth usage and data fetching speed in web and mobile applications.
Using a single request for multiple resources
In a RESTful architecture, obtaining related resources often requires separate requests to different endpoints.
GraphQL combines these requests into a single query, reducing the number of network round-trips and streamlining data retrieval.
Low maintenance
One of the standout features of GraphQL is its approach to API maintenance, particularly the elimination of the need for versioning commonly found in REST APIs.
GraphQL addresses this challenge by allowing APIs to evolve without requiring versioning. This is achieved through its flexible query structure, which lets clients specify the exact data they need.
Transformations and mutations
GraphQL's flexibility extends beyond just fetching data; it also revolutionizes how we can manipulate and transform that data, especially in content delivery.
Conclusion
Incorporating GraphQL into your content delivery strategy, particularly through a robust platform like Hygraph, provides unparalleled advantages. By asking for precisely what you require and integrating various data sources, while maintaining data integrity and reducing maintenance efforts, GraphQL represents the future of effective content distribution.
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