RESTful vs GraphQL APIs: Pros, Cons, and Use Cases

APIs power modern apps. REST and GraphQL are two popular styles. Both can work well, depending on your data, users, and constraints. This post explains the key differences, when to pick each, and practical tips to design better APIs.

REST is about resources and standard actions. You expose endpoints like /users or /orders and use HTTP methods to read or modify data. This makes caching and tooling simple, and it works well for stable data models with clear boundaries.

GraphQL centers on client needs. A single endpoint accepts queries that specify exactly which fields are required. The server returns only what is asked, so there is less over- or under-fetching. It shines when UI needs vary a lot or data is deeply interconnected.

Pros and cons

  • REST pros: simple to learn, strong caching via HTTP, wide ecosystem, clear versioning paths.

  • REST cons: can over- or under-fetch data, multiple calls needed for related resources, and evolving schemas may require careful versioning.

  • GraphQL pros: precise data with single request, flexible queries, strong typing and introspection, good for complex UIs.

  • GraphQL cons: learning curve, caching and pagination can be tricky, potential for heavy queries, and some tooling gaps in edge cases.

Use cases to consider

  • REST is a good default for straightforward apps with stable data, public endpoints, or when you need aggressive HTTP caching and simple security models.
  • GraphQL is worth it when your UI pulls many nested resources, data requirements vary by page, or you want a single API surface to evolve with front-end needs.

Practical tips for teams

  • For REST: design clear resource names, use plural nouns, document versioning, and implement pagination and cache headers. Use consistent error shapes.
  • For GraphQL: start with a strong schema, limit query complexity, consider persisted queries, and plan for authentication at the field level. Use a caching layer that suits GraphQL, like a normalized cache.

Example contrasts

  • REST: GET /api/products?limit=10&offset=0 to fetch a list, then GET /api/products/123 for details.
  • GraphQL: a single query asks for products with id and price, then for each product, requested fields of related categories.

Choosing between REST and GraphQL is not an either/or decision. Teams often combine both: REST for simple resources and GraphQL for flexible front-end needs.

Key Takeaways

  • REST is reliable, cache-friendly, and easy to adopt for stable data.
  • GraphQL reduces over- and under-fetching but adds design and caching complexity.
  • Start with the problem: simple data access or flexible, nested queries?