REST API vs GraphQL

The old reliable of web APIs meets the over-engineered query language that makes rest look like a toddler's scribble. Here's our take.

REST API

Nice Pick

The old reliable of web APIs. Simple enough to get you started, but good luck with those nested resources.

Pros

• Easy to understand with standard HTTP methods
• Stateless design simplifies scaling
• Wide tooling and community support

Cons

• Over-fetching and under-fetching data is common
• Versioning can get messy fast

GraphQL

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

The Verdict

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

The Bottom Line

REST API wins

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