GraphQL vs REST

API design paradigms compared: when to use GraphQL flexible queries vs REST resource-based endpoints.

GraphQL

Query language and runtime for APIs that gives clients the power to ask for exactly what they need.

Free, open specification

Best For

Applications with complex, nested data requirements and multiple client types (web, mobile)

Pros

No over-fetching or under-fetching
Single endpoint for all data
Strong type system and schema
Real-time with subscriptions
Excellent developer tooling (GraphiQL)

Cons

Caching is more complex
N+1 query problem if not careful
Steeper learning curve
File uploads are awkward
Security (query depth/complexity attacks)

REST

Architectural style using HTTP methods and resource-based URLs for building web APIs.

Free, architectural pattern

Best For

Simple CRUD APIs, public APIs, microservices communication, and teams new to API design

Pros

Simple and well-understood
HTTP caching works natively
Easy to implement and test
Great tooling (Postman, Swagger)
Stateless by design

Cons

Over-fetching and under-fetching
Multiple endpoints for related data
API versioning challenges
No built-in type system

Feature Comparison

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

Community Vote

GraphQL (50%)REST (50%)

0 total votes

Our Verdict

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.