Rest API vs GraphQL

asked 5mo ago
DevQuery Adminasked 5mo ago
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How does GraphQL compare to REST APIs in terms of benefits? Can you list and explain the advantages of each approach?

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user
Shadow Codeanswered 5mo ago
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GraphQL:

  • Precise Data Fetching: Request exactly what you need, avoiding over-fetching or under-fetching.
  • Single Endpoint: Simplifies API structure with one endpoint for all data.
  • Efficient Data Loading: Fetch related resources in a single query, reducing network requests.
  • Strongly Typed Schema: Ensures clear API structure and query validation.
  • Real-Time Updates: Supports real-time data with subscriptions.

REST:

  • Simplicity: Uses standard HTTP methods, making it easy to implement and widely understood.
  • Caching: Leverages HTTP caching for better performance.
  • Statelessness: Each request is self-contained, promoting scalability.
  • Mature Ecosystem: Established tools, libraries, and best practices.
  • Wide Compatibility: Works well across various clients, including web, mobile, and IoT.

Summary:

GraphQL offers flexibility and efficiency, particularly for precise data needs and real-time updates, while REST is simpler, more straightforward, and well-suited for scenarios where standard HTTP benefits like caching are essential. The choice depends on the specific requirements of your application.

 
user
Right Developeranswered 5mo ago
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This code block compares how GraphQL retrieves related data in a single query, while REST requires multiple requests for the same information.

# GraphQL Query
{
  user(id: "1") {
    id
    name
    posts {
      title
      content
    }
  }
}

# GraphQL Response
{
  "data": {
    "user": {
      "id": "1",
      "name": "John Doe",
      "posts": [
        {
          "title": "First Post",
          "content": "This is my first post."
        },
        {
          "title": "Second Post",
          "content": "This is my second post."
        }
      ]
    }
  }
}

# REST API Requests and Responses

# REST Request 1
GET /users/1

# REST Response 1
{
  "id": "1",
  "name": "John Doe"
}

# REST Request 2
GET /users/1/posts

# REST Response 2
[
  {
    "title": "First Post",
    "content": "This is my first post."
  },
  {
    "title": "Second Post",
    "content": "This is my second post."
  }
]

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