GraphQL vs REST - Which is Better?

Choosing the best technology is the key to the success of a digital platform. If you want a platform for your business needs, choose a tech stack that can give the best shape to your business in the long run.

API plays an important role in the success of any digital platform. Whenever there is any need of building an API, there are many choices but you need to choose one that suits your needs perfectly. There are two popular names in this process, GraphQL and REST. You should be aware of when to use each of these two while creating APIs.

These technologies work by sending the HTTP requests and receiving the output. Both of these technologies are different and used to develop and scale any API.

What is GraphQL?

GraphQL is a query programming language used to get data from a server. It is the syntax used to define what you need while requesting data. With the help of this, you can get the data in a single request. It is self-documenting by nature, making it simple for users to send queries and obtain data.

You can access all the server's data with this. As you can simply change queries and establish relationships across different data kinds, GraphQL gives you control over the data. This open-source data query language for APIs was developed by Facebook.

When to use GraphQL?

You should use GraphQL data query language when you need control over the server data. With a single response, you can use this with a few requests. Moreover, it can be used to query the complex relationship between multiple data types.

Features of GraphQL

GraphQL has many features making it one of the most used query languages for API development. Here are some key features:

• GraphQL is a statically typed language and there is no need to define variables when using this.
• There is no feature for over-etching or under-fetching of data in this.
• It can decouple the front end from the back end.
• You can save bandwidth with the help of this query language.
• Documentation is easy and it comes with no additional cost.
• This language is HTTP-independent.

Advantages of using GraphQL

Here are some points why you should consider GraphQL for your needs:

• It is product-centric and has a hierarchy.
• Queries are encoded in the coded client-side and are human-readable.
• It is easy to get personalised results and it can bring data with a single call.
• GraphQL keeps documentation in sync with API changes.
• You can find the schema in a proper format.
• Queries in this are executed within the context of a predefined system.

Disadvantages of using GraphQL

Here are some things to keep in mind before using GraphQL:

• There are very few resources on the backend part of the application.
• If you are designing a complex app, design patterns are missing.
• There can be performance problems with complex queries.
• Users should have knowledge about the GraphQL Schema Definition Language for implementing this.
• It uses a single endpoint instead of an HTTP caching technique.

Application of GraphQL

Here are some applications of GraphQL:

• It is used for client frameworks.
• It helps in improving the overall performance of the mobile app.
• If there is any need to simplify the complex API, it can be used efficiently.
• You can use it when there is any need to specify fields in a query.
• If there is any need to aggregate data from multiple places, GraphQL API can be used.
• It follows the facade pattern of the OOPS concept of mix and mash.
• Developers can also use GraphQL as an abstraction.

What is REST API?

Web services are built using Representational State Transfer (RST), which adds style to this. It enables you to access data stored on a distant web server. With REST's assistance, users are able to add, remove, alter, add, or retrieve data. Requests are made via HTTP/HTTPS in the REST technique.

REST API is the ideal approach and solution when you need to access massive data files. Working with a variety of data types in this way is also practical since it can always provide the user with the precise data they require in response to a specific request.

When to use REST API?

You should use REST API when there is a need to access a large amount of data in a short time. It can work with multiple data types and every request returns the specific data that is needed. Moreover, these are widely used and faster to set up than GraphQL.

Features of REST API

REST API is designed to work with media components and files because of the many features that it comes with. Here are some of the features of REST API:

• It has a uniform interface making it easy for developers.
• REST services can be scaled with the demand and needs of the project.
• Users can access resources in REST conveniently using the name.
• It helps in storing frequently used information in the memory.
• It can be served from multiple servers.
• With simple patterns, it can quickly map with an API endpoint.

Advantages of using REST API

Here are some reasons why you should choose REST API:

• It helps in scaling up the platform with ease.
• It can be easily built and creating processes is also easy in REST.
• Server migration is easy in this.
• There is no need for routing information from the client side.
• Users can try many project environments while developing.

Disadvantages of using REST API

Here are some reasons why not to choose REST API for your platform:

• It is not possible to get limited fields with this.
• REST has poor searching options for data and it comes with no framework guidance.
• You can not possibly validate queries in this.
• It is impossible to handle API and changes with the help of REST.
• In the case of data retrieval requirements, there is a need to send a separate API request.
• You can not manipulate nested structures in this.

Application of REST API

Here are some use cases of REST API:

• REST is used when there are multiple different languages and environments in a platform.
• It makes UI portable and has a uniform interface so users can use it across many devices.
• It has a layered system which has many hierarchical layers.