Tech Comparisons
REST vs GraphQL
Two powerful approaches to building APIs. REST has dominated for decades, while GraphQL offers a modern alternative with unique benefits.
| Feature | REST | GraphQL |
|---|---|---|
| Data Fetching | Multiple endpoints, fixed data structures. Over-fetching/under-fetching common. | Single endpoint, client specifies exact data needed. Precise fetching. |
| Versioning | Requires API versioning (v1, v2). Breaking changes force new versions. | Evolutionary schema. Add fields without breaking existing queries. |
| Caching | Built-in HTTP caching (GET requests). Straightforward caching strategies. | Complex caching. Requires custom solutions or libraries like Apollo. |
| Learning Curve | Simple to understand. Based on HTTP methods and URLs. | Steeper learning curve. Requires understanding GraphQL schema and query syntax. |
| Tooling | Mature ecosystem. Swagger, Postman, extensive documentation. | Growing ecosystem. GraphQL Playground, Apollo Studio, strong typing. |
REST Pros & Cons
Pros
- Simpler to implement and understand
- Excellent HTTP caching support
- Mature tooling and ecosystem
- Widely adopted standard
Cons
- Over-fetching and under-fetching data
- Multiple round trips for related data
- API versioning complexity
- Rigid endpoint structure
GraphQL Pros & Cons
Pros
- Precise data fetching, no over-fetching
- Single request for complex data
- Strong typing and schema validation
- Self-documenting APIs
Cons
- Steeper learning curve
- Complex caching strategies
- Potential for expensive queries
- Smaller ecosystem than REST
Verdict
Use REST for simple CRUD APIs, public APIs, and projects where HTTP caching is critical. Use GraphQL for complex data requirements, mobile apps with bandwidth constraints, and when clients need flexibility in data fetching. Many companies use both: REST for simple endpoints, GraphQL for complex client needs.