GraphQL Subscriptions vs REST Polling

Developers should use GraphQL Subscriptions when building applications that require real-time functionality, such as messaging apps, live dashboards, or multiplayer games, to avoid inefficient polling and reduce latency meets developers should use rest polling when building applications that need to synchronize data with a server but lack support for real-time push mechanisms like websockets or server-sent events (sse). Here's our take.

GraphQL Subscriptions

Nice Pick

Developers should use GraphQL Subscriptions when building applications that require real-time functionality, such as messaging apps, live dashboards, or multiplayer games, to avoid inefficient polling and reduce latency

Pros

• They are essential in scenarios where data changes frequently and clients need instant updates without manual refreshes, enhancing user experience and system efficiency
• Related to: graphql, apollo-server

Cons

• Specific tradeoffs depend on your use case

REST Polling

Developers should use REST Polling when building applications that need to synchronize data with a server but lack support for real-time push mechanisms like WebSockets or Server-Sent Events (SSE)

Pros

• It's suitable for low-frequency updates, such as checking for new notifications every few minutes, or in environments where firewalls or legacy systems restrict other methods
• Related to: rest-api, http-protocol

Cons

• Specific tradeoffs depend on your use case

The Verdict

Use GraphQL Subscriptions if: You want they are essential in scenarios where data changes frequently and clients need instant updates without manual refreshes, enhancing user experience and system efficiency and can live with specific tradeoffs depend on your use case.

Use REST Polling if: You prioritize it's suitable for low-frequency updates, such as checking for new notifications every few minutes, or in environments where firewalls or legacy systems restrict other methods over what GraphQL Subscriptions offers.

The Bottom Line

GraphQL Subscriptions wins

Developers should use GraphQL Subscriptions when building applications that require real-time functionality, such as messaging apps, live dashboards, or multiplayer games, to avoid inefficient polling and reduce latency