Published - 2 months ago | 6 min read
GraphQL vs REST: Choosing the Right API Strategy for Your Next Web Project
If you are planning for the next web project, perhaps one of the most important decisions you will have to make is how the frontend will communicate with the backend. Do you stick with REST, the de facto standard for years, or try GraphQL, a modern get-up that’s gaining ground? They each have their pros and cons, and what works for one project may not work for another. Here’s the breakdown in plain, simple terms, so you can choose what works best for you.
Understanding REST
REST (Representational State Transfer) is in existence for a while and has established itself as a stable technology. In broad terms, you manage resources (a user, post or product) through a unique URL, interacting with them with the HTTP method.
Here’s how it works:
Here’s how it works:
1. Resources and Endpoints:
Each resource has its own endpoint. For example:
/users fetches all users.
/users/1 fetches details for a specific user.
/users/1/posts fetches all posts by that user.
Each resource has its own endpoint. For example:
/users fetches all users.
/users/1 fetches details for a specific user.
/users/1/posts fetches all posts by that user.
2. HTTP Methods:
GET: Fetch data (e.g., get a list of users).
POST: Add new data (e.g., create a new user).
PUT: Update existing data (e.g., change a user’s details).
DELETE: Remove data (e.g., delete a user).
GET: Fetch data (e.g., get a list of users).
POST: Add new data (e.g., create a new user).
PUT: Update existing data (e.g., change a user’s details).
DELETE: Remove data (e.g., delete a user).
3. Fixed Data Structures:
Each endpoint returns a predefined structure of data, so you know what to expect.
Each endpoint returns a predefined structure of data, so you know what to expect.
REST's Advantages
Simplicity: REST is clear and simple if you know HTTP well.
Widespread Adoption: Most developers have used REST, and there are many tools and libraries for it.
Caching: REST endpoints work well with caching, which boosts performance, mainly for stable data.
Widespread Adoption: Most developers have used REST, and there are many tools and libraries for it.
Caching: REST endpoints work well with caching, which boosts performance, mainly for stable data.
REST's Drawbacks
Over-fetching and Under-fetching: Often, fetching data gives too much info (like entire user details when only the name is needed) or calls many endpoints to gather needed info.
Versioning Issues: When apps expand, API changes may need versions (/v1, /v2, etc.), making upkeep tricky.
Rigid Structure: Since each endpoint has a fixed structure, it’s harder to tailor the response to specific needs.
Versioning Issues: When apps expand, API changes may need versions (/v1, /v2, etc.), making upkeep tricky.
Rigid Structure: Since each endpoint has a fixed structure, it’s harder to tailor the response to specific needs.
What Makes GraphQL Different?
GraphQL is not just another data fetching tool; it reshapes how APIs are seen. Rather than using many endpoints, there’s one main endpoint where you specify exactly what you want via a query language.
Here’s how it works:
Here’s how it works:
1. Single EndPoint: You use one endpoint (often /graphql), regardless of the data type being accessed.
2. Customizable Queries: You write queries that specify exactly what you want. For example:
graphql
This fetches only the user’s name, email, and post titles, nothing more.
3. Schemas: GraphQL APIs come with a schema that defines all the available queries and data types, making it easier to understand and document.
GraphQL's Advantages
Precise Data Fetching: You only get what you ask for. No over-fetching or under-fetching.
Real-Time Capabilities: GraphQL supports subscriptions, which means you can get live updates when data changes (great for apps like chat or stock tickers).
Strong Typing: The schema ensures developers know what data to expect, reducing bugs and improving productivity.
Flexible Evolution: Changes to the API can often be made without breaking existing clients, avoiding messy versioning.
Real-Time Capabilities: GraphQL supports subscriptions, which means you can get live updates when data changes (great for apps like chat or stock tickers).
Strong Typing: The schema ensures developers know what data to expect, reducing bugs and improving productivity.
Flexible Evolution: Changes to the API can often be made without breaking existing clients, avoiding messy versioning.
GraphQL's Drawback
Learning Curve: If your team is new to it, there’s a bit of a learning curve to write queries and manage schemas.
Caching Challenges: Since every query is customizable, caching results isn’t as straightforward as REST.
Increased Complexity: While you gain flexibility, you also take on added complexity in managing and optimizing the API, especially for larger projects.
Caching Challenges: Since every query is customizable, caching results isn’t as straightforward as REST.
Increased Complexity: While you gain flexibility, you also take on added complexity in managing and optimizing the API, especially for larger projects.
When To Choose REST
While REST is considered the “traditional” approach, it’s still a solid choice for many projects. Here’s when REST might be the better fit:
1. Small Teams Or Simple Projects
If you’re building a straightforward application or working with a small team, REST keeps things simple.
2. Caching is a Priority
For projects that rely heavily on caching (e.g., serving mostly static data), REST’s fixed endpoints make this easier.
3. Interoperability
If your project needs to integrate with other systems or third-party services, REST is likely the safer bet since it’s so widely adopted.
4. Limited Backend Complexity
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When To Choose GraphQL
GraphQL’s flexibility can be a game-changer for projects with complex data needs or fast-changing requirements. Here’s when GraphQL might be the better fit:
1. Complex Frontend Requirements
If your frontend needs specific pieces of data from multiple sources, GraphQL can save you from making multiple API calls.
2. Real-Time Data Needs
For applications where live updates are critical (e.g., messaging apps, live dashboards), GraphQL’s subscriptions are invaluable.
3. Future-Proofing
If you expect your API to evolve frequently, GraphQL lets you add fields or types without breaking existing clients.
4. Reducing Bandwidth
For applications where bandwidth is low (like mobile apps), getting just the data that’s needed can help with performance a lot.
Practical Tips for Deciding
1. Evaluate Your Team’s Expertise
If your team knows one well, it may be better to keep using it unless you have a big reason to change.
2. Analyze Your Data Needs
Think about how often you will need to get particular pieces of data or mix data from different sources.
3. Look at Your Tools
Tools like Apollo for GraphQL and frameworks like Django or Express for REST can influence your decision based on your existing tech stack.
4. Start Small
You don’t have to choose one over the other. Many teams use REST for simpler APIs and layer GraphQL on top for complex queries.
A Real-World Scenario: REST vs GraphQL
Imagine you’re building an e-commerce app. Your backend includes users, products, and orders.
REST:
You’d create endpoints like /users, /products, orders.
To show a user’s name, their recent orders, and the products in those orders, you’d likely need multiple API calls:
Fetch user details (/users/1).
Fetch their orders (/users/1/orders).
Fetch product details for each order (/products/:id).
You’d create endpoints like /users, /products, orders.
To show a user’s name, their recent orders, and the products in those orders, you’d likely need multiple API calls:
Fetch user details (/users/1).
Fetch their orders (/users/1/orders).
Fetch product details for each order (/products/:id).
GraphQL:
GraphQL:
You’d send a single query to your /graphql endpoint:
GraphQL:
You’d send a single query to your /graphql endpoint:
One call gives you all the data you need, in exactly the structure you want.
Conclusion
In summary, React Native and Flutter are powerful frameworks with advantages and disadvantages. However, regarding debugging and testing, code reusability, and prospects, Flutter has a slight edge over React Native.
For businesses, the best framework will depend on their specific needs and requirements. Considering your project's goals, timeline, and budget, as well as the skills and experience of your development team.
Ultimately, the choice between React Native and Flutter is personal and should be based on your specific needs and requirements. Both frameworks have advantages and disadvantages, so it's important to consider your project's goals, timeline, and budget before making a decision.
For businesses, the best framework will depend on their specific needs and requirements. Considering your project's goals, timeline, and budget, as well as the skills and experience of your development team.
Ultimately, the choice between React Native and Flutter is personal and should be based on your specific needs and requirements. Both frameworks have advantages and disadvantages, so it's important to consider your project's goals, timeline, and budget before making a decision.
Written by / Author
Manasi Maheshwari
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