REST API vs gRPC

The old reliable of web APIs meets the microservices whisperer: blazing fast, but good luck debugging that binary blob. 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

gRPC

The microservices whisperer: blazing fast, but good luck debugging that binary blob.

Pros

• High-performance with HTTP/2 and Protocol Buffers
• Built-in support for streaming and load balancing
• Strong typing and code generation across multiple languages

Cons

• Binary payloads make debugging a nightmare
• Steep learning curve for Protocol Buffers and HTTP/2 quirks

The Verdict

These tools serve different purposes. REST API is a apis while gRPC is a frameworks. 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 gRPC excels in its own space.