Top 5 Key Differences - GraphQL vs REST

Now, as we go into the vast subjects of APIs, there are various approaches and architectural patterns. Over the years, there has been multiple approaches which follow different architectural patterns that provides different standards to build APIs but the most predominant patterns that are used in the recent times are REST and GraphQL.

Graphql Vs REST – Overview

Graphql:

• First, let’s look into GraphQL. This is basically a query language for the APIs.
• It also functions as a server-side runtime for executing these queries.
• By using GraphQL, The Clients can request for the data that they exactly need from the service.
• Testing GraphQL is also effortless with open-source APIs.
• In GraphQL the clients will have to explicitly define a schema as it specifies the fields that need to be queried which helps in structuring the responses based on the requirements.
• This helps avoid unnecessary data fetching or missing crucial information.
• GraphQL simplifies communication between systems by allowing precise data requests, adapting to changing requirements, and remaining independent of the underlying database.
• In GraphQL, we define the Queries for performing GET requests and Mutations for the remaining part of CRUD operations that include Create, Update and Delete.

REST:

• REST, also known as Representational State Transfer, is an architectural style defining rules for creating web services.
• The RESTful web services work with the HyperText Transfer Protocol.
• It exposes endpoints defined with these standards and uses standard http status codes such as 200, 404 , 500 for communication .
• They utilize HTTP methods like GET, POST, PUT, PATCH, and DELETE for CRUD operations.
• In RESTful services, the client sends requests using HTTP methods (GET, POST, etc.).
• The server responds with a resource, which can be HTML, XML, Image, JSON, etc.

Graphql Vs REST– What Are the Differences ?

Here is a table to explain the differences between GraphQL vs REST

Title	Rest	GraphQL
Data control	Each endpoint exposed returns the same set of response every time, which can lead to over-fetching or under-fetching	Each query is flexible and can be tailored according to client requirements, ensuring only the required data is extracted. GraphQL gives more control over data compared to REST
Data structure	The server decides the structure of the data/response returned, as each endpoint provides only a specific response	Clients specify the structure of the response by defining a query, and the server returns the data accordingly. Clients have more control over the shape and content in GraphQL compared to REST
Number of request	Fetching complex data in REST usually requires multiple requests to various endpoints, increasing request count	GraphQL handles complex data structures with a single query, making data retrieval more efficient due to its schema flexibility
Real time updates	REST requires use of WebSockets or polling for real-time updates, as its request-response model is stateless	GraphQL provides real-time updates through Subscriptions, allowing clients to listen to changes effortlessly
Schema	REST has no explicit schema; the server defines the data structure, which can cause over/under-fetching	GraphQL is strongly schema-driven. Clients define queries based on schema, giving precise control over what data is returned

What REST Limitations Does Graphql Attempt to Overcome?

Data structure

• In REST, when you request information about a resource using an endpoint, you get the same set of data every time. However, with GraphQL, you can tailor your request to ask for only the specific data you need.
• This flexibility allows you to modify the structure of your data queries based on the requirements of your application. In contrast, with REST, each endpoint you access always provides the same fixed set of data.

Over-fetching and under-fetching of data

• In REST, when you use an endpoint to get data, you always receive the same amount of information, and it leads to over-fetching (receiving more data than actually required) and underfetching (receiving less data than actually required ) and it’s often that client receives more data than needed.
• However, with GraphQL, you can precisely specify the data you want by defining the structure of your request in a single query. This ability helps you avoid getting too much or too little data, making the process of fetching information more efficient.

Multiple Requests for Related Data

• Rest requires exposing multiple endpoints for fetching the required data whereas with GraphQL, we can retrieve all the needed information in one go by making a single, well-structured query.
• In REST, to gather information for a scenario like a blog section mentioned earlier , we typically need to create separate endpoints like /users, /posts, /comments, and /likes, each returning specific data. However, with GraphQL, you can consolidate all these requests into a single query by defining a structured schema.
• This means you can request user details, posts, comments, and likes together in one go, simplifying the data retrieval process compared to REST’s need for multiple endpoints.

Graphql Vs REST: Which is Better?

• Choosing between GraphQL and REST depends on the nature of your project. If your data neatly fits into a resource-centric model, where each endpoint represents a distinct resource, REST might be your go-to.
• On the flip side, if your data involves intricate relationships and you want to fetch nested information efficiently in one go, GraphQL could be your superhero.
• Remember, it’s all about the specifics of the project. Each—GraphQL and REST—comes with its perks and challenges.
• Consider your data model intricacies, how you want to handle caching, and the level of flexibility you need in retrieving data.
• Based on these details then tailor your choice based on what suits your project’s unique needs.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, GraphQL and RESTful APIs function as potent instruments for crafting and deploying web services, each carrying out its distinct advantages and considerations. REST, valued for its simplicity and widespread acceptance, stands as an optimal solution for uncomplicated and stateless applications. Conversely, GraphQL shines in situations prioritizing flexibility and efficiency in data retrieval, presenting a customized approach to address intricate data demands. Ultimately, choosing between GraphQL and REST boils down to the project’s unique requirements and developers can consider factors like simplicity, performance, and data interactions to decide on the most fitting API architecture.