GraphQL vs REST

The over-engineered query language that makes REST look like a toddler's scribble meets the architectural style that made apis boringly reliable, but sometimes too rigid for modern needs. Here's our take.

GraphQL

Nice Pick

The over-engineered query language that makes REST look like a toddler's scribble.

Pros

• Eliminates over-fetching and under-fetching with precise data queries
• Strongly typed schema ensures API consistency and reduces errors
• Aggregates data from multiple sources in a single request for efficiency

Cons

• Complex setup and learning curve compared to REST
• Can lead to performance issues with deeply nested queries

REST

The architectural style that made APIs boringly reliable, but sometimes too rigid for modern needs.

Pros

• Stateless design simplifies scaling and caching
• Uses standard HTTP methods for predictable operations
• Widely supported across languages and platforms

Cons

• Can lead to over-fetching or under-fetching data
• Lacks built-in real-time capabilities

The Verdict

These tools serve different purposes. GraphQL is a devtools while REST is a ai coding tools. 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 excels in its own space.