REST API vs GraphQL

Overview

Similarity

• Both make http call from client to server and response in json format

Differences

Rest API

• The data format and operation is defined by API route itself, each API end point have a clear definition

• Easy to cache with CDN, proxies

• Simple to make a call

GraphQL

• The data format and operation is defined by client, The data definition is flexible

• Hard to cache

• Require time to learn, including query definition, tooling support to make call

Discussion

• If data format is different from lots of application, there is time-wasting to develop various API end points to support different application, GraphQL is a better choice

• Otherwise, In considering common practice, learning curve, the clearness of definition, REST API is a better choice for business

References