DEV Community

Cover image for GraphQL Vs. REST APIs: A Comprehensive Comparison
Leonel Oliveira
Leonel Oliveira

Posted on

GraphQL Vs. REST APIs: A Comprehensive Comparison

When it comes to building modern web applications, the choice between GraphQL and REST APIs is often a pivotal decision. Both serve as essential tools for fetching and manipulating data, but they have distinct approaches and strengths. Understanding the differences and use cases of each can help you make an informed decision for your next project.

Overview

GraphQL is a query language for your API and a runtime for executing those queries by using a type system you define for your data. It allows clients to request only the data they need and nothing more, which can reduce over-fetching and under-fetching issues commonly associated with REST.

REST (Representational State Transfer) is an architectural style that uses a uniform interface and standard HTTP methods for interacting with resources. It is resource-based, meaning each URL represents a resource, and clients interact with these resources using standard HTTP methods like GET, POST, PUT, DELETE.

Image description

Key Differences

1. Data Fetching

GraphQL: Clients can specify the structure of the response they need, avoiding issues like over-fetching and under-fetching. For example, a client can request specific fields of a resource or multiple resources in a single request.

REST: Clients receive a fixed structure defined by the server. Multiple endpoints are often required to fetch related resources, leading to potential over-fetching or under-fetching.

2. Endpoint Structure

GraphQL: Uses a single endpoint for all requests, typically /graphql. The structure of the response is determined by the query sent in the request body.

REST: Uses multiple endpoints for different resources (e.g., /users, /posts). Each endpoint typically represents a collection or an individual resource.

3. Versioning

GraphQL: Versioning is often not required due to its flexibility in evolving the API without breaking changes. Clients can request the exact fields they need, regardless of the API version.

REST: Versioning is common (e.g., /v1/users). Changes to the API may require the introduction of new endpoints or modification of existing ones, which can lead to version proliferation.

4. Tooling and Ecosystem

GraphQL: Has a rich ecosystem with tools like Apollo Client, Relay, and GraphiQL, which enhance development and debugging capabilities.

REST: Has a mature ecosystem with well-established practices and tools like Postman and Swagger, but may not offer the same level of flexibility and ease of use as GraphQL.

Image description

Examples

Example 1: Fetching User Data

GraphQL:

query {
  user(id: "1") {
    id
    name
    email
    posts {
      title
      content
    }
  }
}
Enter fullscreen mode Exit fullscreen mode

REST:

GET /users/1
GET /users/1/posts
Enter fullscreen mode Exit fullscreen mode

Example 2: Creating a New Post

GraphQL:

mutation {
  createPost(input: {
    title: "New Post"
    content: "Lorem ipsum"
    userId: "1"
  }) {
    id
    title
    content
  }
}
Enter fullscreen mode Exit fullscreen mode

REST:

POST /posts
{
  "title": "New Post",
  "content": "Lorem ipsum",
  "userId": "1"
}
Enter fullscreen mode Exit fullscreen mode

Conclusion

Choosing between GraphQL and REST depends on your project requirements and development preferences. GraphQL excels in scenarios where flexibility and precise data fetching are crucial, while REST remains a solid choice for simpler, resource-based APIs. Understanding the strengths and trade-offs of each approach can help you make the right decision for your next API.

Happy coding! 🚀

Top comments (1)

Collapse
 
pyby profile image
Pierre-Yves

Thanks for this introduction. Very nice for a frontend client.

Do you have server side article to recommend implementation?
In the example (GraphQL with a pink icon), how manage the object caches in backend and frontends. "matches" (needs sport scores update so maybe 10 sec of cache) and "players" (can have 1 min or more of cache, the list is define before each matches) have not the same "valid time".