GraphQL
GraphQL is a query language for APIs developed by Meta (Facebook). Unlike REST where the server decides what data to return, GraphQL lets the client specify exactly what data it needs. This eliminates…
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Definition
GraphQL is a query language for APIs developed by Meta (Facebook). Unlike REST where the server decides what data to return, GraphQL lets the client specify exactly what data it needs. This eliminates over-fetching and under-fetching of data, making APIs more efficient — especially for mobile apps where bandwidth matters.
Key Points
- Client specifies exactly what data it needs in each request
- Single endpoint instead of multiple REST endpoints
- Strong typing with schema definition
- Real-time data with subscriptions
Related Terms
Frequently Asked Questions
Use GraphQL when: clients need different data shapes (mobile vs web), you're over-fetching with REST, or you need real-time subscriptions. Stick with REST for: simple CRUD APIs, server-to-server communication, or when your team is more familiar with REST. Many apps use both — REST for simple operations and GraphQL for complex data queries.
GraphQL has a steeper initial learning curve than REST. You need to understand schemas, resolvers, queries, and mutations. However, once learned, development is often faster because you eliminate many REST endpoints and reduce client-side data manipulation. Most developers become comfortable with GraphQL in 2-4 weeks.
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