Introduction
Facebook developed GraphQL, an application layer server-side platform for processing queries with existing data. It allows you to fetch and update data in a declarative manner and facilitates the transfer of data from the server to the client. It gives programmers the option of selecting the types of requests they want to make.
REST is a software architecture style for establishing web services that define a set of requirements. It’s made to operate with media components, data, and hardware devices. REST stands for Representational State Transfer in its entire form. RESTful API calls can be optimised with GraphQL
The Fundamental Distinction Between REST APIs and GraphQL
A REST API is a network-based software architecture concept. GraphQL, on the other hand, is a query language, standard, and collection of tools that work with a single HTTP endpoint. Furthermore, REST has been utilised to create new APIs in recent years, but GraphQL has been optimised for performance and flexibility.
Key Differences
● GraphQL is an application layer server-side technology that is used for executing queries with existing data while REST is a software architectural style that defines a set of constraints for creating Web services.
● GraphQL can be organized in terms of a schema whereas REST can be arranged in terms of endpoints.
● The development speed in GraphQL is fast while the development speed in REST is Slow.
● The message format for GraphQL mutations should be a string while the message format for REST mutations can be anything.
● GraphQL uses metadata for query validation whereas REST does not have machine-readable metadata cacheable.
A COMPARISON BETWEEN REST & GRAPHQLAPIs:
| GraphQL | REST |
|---|---|
| Facebook developed GraphQL, an application layer server-side platform for processing queries with existing data. |
REST is a software architecture approach for establishing Web services that define a set of requirements. |
| Client-driven architecture is used. | It has a server-based architecture. |
| A schema can be used to organise GraphQL | Endpoints can be used to organise REST |
| GraphQL is a rapidly expanding community. | REST has a big user base. |
| GraphQL allows for rapid development | REST development takes a long time. |
| In GraphQL, the learning curve is steep | REST has a moderate learning curve. |
| The identity is distinct from the method of retrieval | In REST, the endpoint you call is the object’s identity. |
| The server determines available resources in GraphQL. | In REST, the server determines the shape and size of the resource. |
| GraphQL has a high level of platform consistency | Consistency across all platforms is difficult to achieve. |
| For GraphQL mutations, the message format should be a string. | For REST mutations, the message format can be anything. |
| It’s heavily typed. | It’s poorly typed. |
| Endpoints in the GraphQL API are all the same. | There are numerous REST API endpoints. |
| It validates queries using metadata. | It lacks machine-readable metadata that can be cached. |
| Ensures a consistent, high-quality user experience across all operating systems. |
Consistency across all operating systems is tough to achieve. |
| GraphQL partners require API customization. | It provides a flexible public API that may be used in a variety of ways. |
Advantages of GraphQL
Here are the important pros/benefits of GraphQL:
● It has a declarative query language rather than an imperative one.
● It’s hierarchical and focused on the product.
● GraphQL has a lot of types. It indicates that queries are run in the context of a certain system.
● In GraphQL, queries are encoded in the client, not the server.
● It has all of the features of the OSI model’s application layer.
● A human-readable query is provided by GraphQL.
● It is simple to work with many databases in GraphQL.
● With a single API request, you can get data. It facilitates query batching and caching.
● GraphQL keeps documentation up to date with API updates automatically.
● It can be used to make a quick application. For reuse, GraphQL fields can be shared to a higher component level.
● It lets you pick and choose which functionalities to show and how they work.
Advantages of REST API
Here are the important pros/benefits of REST API:
● It makes it possible to scale software without trouble.
● You may easily transfer data from one server to another.
● The protocol makes it simple to build across multiple projects.
● While designing a REST API, you can try out different project setups.
● REST is simple to implement and adjust.
● Process objects can be created explicitly.
● Routing information is not required by the client machine.
● Developers can create APIs that cater to a certain user’s needs
GraphQL vs REST: Which Is Better?
GraphQL has a number of benefits over REST. GraphQL is faster than REST because you can pick
and choose which fields to query. In comparison to REST, GraphQL has a lower learning curve. In
general, deciding between GraphQL and REST is challenging because they are both excellent in their
own right.