GraphQL vs REST API: Key Considerations for Developers

Quick Overview: GraphQL vs. REST

Before diving into this in-depth, a comparative overview of GraphQL vs REST API will help you better understand the two. Here it is:

What is GraphQL?

GraphQL, first developed in 2012 and made open-source in 2015, is a Query Language for the API that involves simple data queries and manipulation for the exact required data. It is considered the successor to REST API and is the modern query language.

It offers accurate data rather than over or under information in data. GraphQL uses a type system or single endpoint to query, create, update and delete the data. It also facilitates mutation and subscriptions, where the latter is the bi-directional and real-time communication between client and server. The servers are available for different programming languages such as C++, Python, Java and more.

Advantages of GraphQL

The advantages of GraphQL include:

• Declaration: GraphQL offers a simple data querying method that allows one to specify the exact type required through a single query and with a single endpoint. The feature quickens the pace of development and iteration by streamlining the operations at the front and back end.
• Efficiency: GraphQL is preferred for its efficiency and precision in data fetching. It offers data that matches the specification rather than being extra or less than the requirement.
• Suited for complexities: It integrates with multiple systems and combines data from distinct microservices to offer a unified response without exposing underlying complexity. The benefit pertains to third-party APIs and legacy systems.
• Eliminates versioning: GraphQL does not require versioning as schema specification eliminates the need. It ensures backward compatibility and enables continuous API development.
• Single query: GraphQL allows multiple queries and mutations to be processed in a single batch, saving time and increasing efficiency.

Disadvantages of GraphQL

GraphQL also poses certain disadvantages as well. Here are the insights into the same: 

• This query language includes schema, type, and queries, which adds complexity.
• Learning GraphQL requires time and patience.
• Involves security concerns.
• Batch requests may lead to over-fetching the data, slowing down the network.
• The GraphQL environment is still developing, diminishing the number of help routes.

What is REST API?

Representational State Transfer, or REST, is the architectural style developed at the beginning of the 2000s. It is designed to enable scalable and stateless communication between client and server architectures, and this API uses cacheable responses. The information in REST is sent via HTTP, which uses Unique Resource Identifiers (URIs) to identify resources such as objects, data, or services. There are metadata, authorization, cookies, caching, and more.

REST API functions via a predefined format, Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions (MIME), which determines the size and shape of resources provided to clients. It has multiple endpoints for performing four operations: create, update, read and delete. The information here is received back mostly in JSON format. Additionally, it can be returned in HTML, Python, or plain text format.

Advantages of REST API

The key advantages of REST API are:

• Wide usage: REST API uses HTTP requests to obtain data, followed by receiving information in JSON format. It also supports almost all data formats, making it perfect for web browsers.
• Easy to build: It is a widely used and old API that can be easily developed from the available templates rather than designed from scratch. It is also easy to discover, explore and organize complicated applications.
• Broad compatibility: It can be used with multiple programming languages, easing the handling by both fresher and professional developers.
• Scalability: REST APIs can handle voluminous data without impacting efficiency.
• Security: The API uses access tokens for authentication, offering security and data privacy.
• Cost and time-effectiveness: It does not demand extra hardware or software, thus saving costs. Further, the development time is shorter here.
• Learning curve: The prior familiarity with REST API and less architectural complexity makes it a preferred option.

Disadvantages of REST API

It also has a few disadvantages, such as:

• It can be complex for individuals new to web architecture.
• Maintaining REST API is time and cost-consuming.
• Doesn’t work offline at all.
• Versioning poses issues with changes in API influencing the compatibility.
• The speed and performance depend on the internet pace and server.
• May also exhibit less flexibility.

Key Differences Between GraphQL and REST

To help you understand the GraphQL vs REST API comparatively, here are the key differences between the two on different parameters:

Requesting Data

GraphQL requests for data include queries for getting read-only data, mutations for data modification, subscriptions for updates, and requests to receive event-based data. REST API uses HTTP verbs to specify the action. It uses URLs for resource identification, parameters, and values for creating or modifying data.

Returned Data

GraphQL provides only specific query data in return, while REST API returns complete resource information.

Tools and Environment

The GraphQL environment has witnessed growth and hence has multiple tools and libraries for client and server development. These include tools like GraphQL Playground and GraphiQL. They are useful for exploring and testing GraphQL APIs. There is enough support for code generation as well. The libraries, tools and frameworks are well-established, multiple and easily available for the alternative API.

Versioning

GraphQL involves specific queries and hence reduces the need for versioning. REST APIs, on the other hand, require creating different versions of API, adding to complexity.

Caching

The task is challenging for GraphQL, while REST APIs have specific mechanisms, like last-modified headers and e-Tags, for catching API calls. However, the latter can also be complex.

Ability to Handle Errors

GraphQL requires a detailed description of the schema, which enables error self-handling. REST APIs do not automatically identify errors but require surrounding code for error identification and handling.

Real-time Data 

GraphQL offers real-time updates through subscriptions that provide a steady connection with the server. The second API does not have built-in support. To receive real-time updates, server-sent events and long-polling techniques must be implemented.

Server-side Schema 

GraphQL requires server-side schema with information about object types, fields and server-side resolver functions. The requirement of server-side schema is not with REST APIs.

When to Choose GraphQL over REST?

The choice of GraphQL over REST is preferred in the following situations:

• Bandwidth-sensitive applications: If the apps are designed for devices where bandwidth poses importance for functionality and the requirement remains for a minimal one.
• Nested data retrieval: If the applications require fetching the nested data in a single query.
• Varying requirements: The constant change in client requirements can require switching to GraphQL.
• Composite pattern: This pattern occurs when the data is retrieved from various sources, such as backends, logging services, third-party analytics, etc.
• Requirement for proxy pattern: This feature in GraphQL allows response modification as needed.

When to Choose REST over GraphQL?

REST is preferred over GraphQL in the following scenarios:

• Similar data and operation usage: The situation benefits the client base by requiring the usage and management of the same endpoints and predefined responses, thus saving time and effort.
• Quick and easy service: When quick solutions and easy coding are needed, simple-to-implement REST APIs offer better help. They are also suited for tasks dealing with non-complex data.
• Batch querying: REST APIs are known for efficiently performing batch queries.

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GraphQL vs REST API: Which Is Best?

There does not exist a definite answer to the question. The suitability of the API depends on specific requirements, scenarios and flexibility, as we just witnessed the differing scenarios for preference of one over another. For more consideration and better decision-making between GraphQL vs REST API, here are the factors to consider:

• Data requirements such as volume and complexity.
• Team expertise and prior experience or familiarity with the two APIs.
• Scalability needs.
• Type of data required to be fetched.
• Quality of performance required by the client.

Conclusion 

The key point in developing web applications is maintaining effective communication between the front-end (client side) and back-end (server side). For any aspiring software engineer, understanding such fundamentals is crucial. To help you with the task, Simplilearn offers a Full Stack (MERN Stack) Developer Masters Program. The program is available in collaboration with IBM, where candidates can learn key skills such as Express.js, React, MongoDB, and Node.js (“MERN”). Also, expect to gain experience working in CSS, HTM, GIT and JavaScript.

FAQs

1. Is GraphQL faster than REST?

Yes, GraphQL is faster in many scenarios as it has queries specified with the exact requirements. However, REST APIs perform better when the cache delivers results.

2. Is GraphQL frontend or backend?

GraphQL bridges the gap between the front end and the back end. It exhibits client-side behavior by specifying the exact requirements and server-side behavior by handling and resolving client requirements.

3. Is GraphQL better than the REST API?

The answer depends on specific conditions when it is used. GraphQL's performance exhibits superiority in scenarios with limited bandwidth, varying requirements and others.

4. Can GraphQL work with existing REST APIs?

The mentioned case is possible through two methods:

• Incorporation of GraphQL support to REST API.
• Schema stitching by combining different REST APIs in a single GraphQL.

5. Can I use GraphQL and REST together?

Yes, the two can be used together, with GraphQL as the middle layer and REST API on the back end.