GraphQL vs REST API

Developers should learn GraphQL when building APIs that require complex data fetching, such as in modern web apps with dynamic UIs, mobile apps with varying data needs, or microservices architectures where multiple data sources need to be aggregated meets developers should learn rest api when building web services, mobile backends, or integrating systems, as it provides a standardized, language-agnostic way to expose data and functionality over the internet. Here's our take.

GraphQL

Nice Pick

Developers should learn GraphQL when building APIs that require complex data fetching, such as in modern web apps with dynamic UIs, mobile apps with varying data needs, or microservices architectures where multiple data sources need to be aggregated

Pros

• It is particularly useful for reducing network overhead by allowing clients to specify nested queries in a single request, making it ideal for performance-critical applications like e-commerce platforms or social media feeds
• Related to: apollo-client, relay

Cons

• Specific tradeoffs depend on your use case

REST API

Developers should learn REST API when building web services, mobile backends, or integrating systems, as it provides a standardized, language-agnostic way to expose data and functionality over the internet

Pros

• It's essential for creating scalable and maintainable applications, especially in microservices architectures or when developing public APIs for third-party use, such as in e-commerce or social media platforms
• Related to: http-protocol, json

Cons

• Specific tradeoffs depend on your use case

The Verdict

These tools serve different purposes. GraphQL is a tool while REST API is a concept. We picked GraphQL based on overall popularity, but your choice depends on what you're building.

The Bottom Line

GraphQL wins

Based on overall popularity. GraphQL is more widely used, but REST API excels in its own space.