Architecture Intermediate
GraphQL vs REST — When to Use Which¶
GraphQLRESTAPI 3 min read
Comparison of GraphQL and REST API. Over-fetching, performance, tooling and decision criteria.
REST Strengths¶
- Simplicity, HTTP caching
- Huge ecosystem
- OpenAPI/Swagger documentation
GraphQL Strengths¶
- Client determines what it needs — no over/under-fetching
- Single endpoint
- Strong typing, introspection
query {
user(id: "123") {
name
orders(last: 5) { id, total, status }
}
}
Decision Making¶
REST: Simple CRUD, HTTP caching, public APIs, team without GraphQL experience.
GraphQL: Multiple client types, complex data, mobile-first, rapid frontend development.
Summary¶
Different tools for different situations. You can use both in the same system.
Need Help with Implementation?¶
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