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API design paradigms compared: when to use GraphQL flexible queries vs REST resource-based endpoints.
Query language and runtime for APIs that gives clients the power to ask for exactly what they need.
Free, open specification
Applications with complex, nested data requirements and multiple client types (web, mobile)
Architectural style using HTTP methods and resource-based URLs for building web APIs.
Free, architectural pattern
Simple CRUD APIs, public APIs, microservices communication, and teams new to API design
| Feature | GraphQL | REST |
|---|---|---|
| Data Fetching | Client specifies fields | Server determines response |
| Endpoints | Single endpoint | Multiple resource endpoints |
| Caching | Custom (client-side) | HTTP native (ETags, 304) |
| Type System | Built-in schema | Optional (OpenAPI/Swagger) |
| Real-time | Subscriptions | Webhooks, SSE, WebSocket |
| File Upload | Multipart spec (complex) | Native multipart |
| Learning Curve | Moderate-Steep | Easy |
| Versioning | Schema evolution | URL or header versioning |
0 total votes
REST remains the best choice for most APIs, especially simple CRUD services, public APIs, and microservices. GraphQL shines when you have complex, nested data requirements or need to serve multiple client types efficiently. Consider starting with REST and migrating specific endpoints to GraphQL when the complexity justifies it.