WordPress REST API vs GraphQL

Developers should learn the WordPress REST API when building mobile apps, single-page applications (SPAs), or integrating WordPress with external services, as it provides a standardized way to access site data without relying on PHP templates 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.

WordPress REST API

Nice Pick

Developers should learn the WordPress REST API when building mobile apps, single-page applications (SPAs), or integrating WordPress with external services, as it provides a standardized way to access site data without relying on PHP templates

Pros

• It's essential for creating headless WordPress setups where the front-end is built with modern JavaScript frameworks like React or Vue
• Related to: wordpress, javascript

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. WordPress REST API is a platform while GraphQL is a tool. We picked WordPress REST API based on overall popularity, but your choice depends on what you're building.

The Bottom Line

WordPress REST API wins

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