REST API vs GraphQL

Developers should learn REST APIs when building web services, mobile backends, or integrating systems, as they provide a standardized way to expose data and functionality over HTTP meets developers should learn graphql when building modern web or mobile applications that require flexible, efficient data fetching, such as in complex frontend-backend integrations or microservices architectures. Here's our take.

REST API

Nice Pick

Developers should learn REST APIs when building web services, mobile backends, or integrating systems, as they provide a standardized way to expose data and functionality over HTTP

Pros

• They are essential for creating scalable and maintainable applications, especially in microservices architectures or when developing public-facing APIs for third-party use
• Related to: http-protocols, json

Cons

• Specific tradeoffs depend on your use case

GraphQL

Developers should learn GraphQL when building modern web or mobile applications that require flexible, efficient data fetching, such as in complex frontend-backend integrations or microservices architectures

Pros

• It's particularly useful for scenarios where clients need to avoid multiple round-trips to servers or when APIs must evolve without breaking existing queries
• Related to: apollo-client, relay

Cons

• Specific tradeoffs depend on your use case

The Verdict

These tools serve different purposes. REST API is a concept while GraphQL is a tool. 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.