RESTful APIs vs GraphQL: Choosing the Right Approach

Choosing between REST and GraphQL can be confusing. Both approaches are solid for building APIs, and the right choice depends on data needs, client apps, and team skills. REST is clear and fast to start. GraphQL offers flexibility for complex data and many clients. Think about what your typical screens request, and how you want to evolve the API over time.

REST builds data as resources and exposes multiple endpoints. GraphQL uses a single endpoint and lets clients request exactly the fields they need. This often reduces over- and under-fetching, but it can add complexity to the server, queries, and caching. Teams should weigh these tradeoffs when planning a project.

Pros and tradeoffs

  • Over-fetching vs precision: REST may return more data than needed; GraphQL fetches only what is requested.
  • Requests and latency: GraphQL can reduce round trips for nested data, but complex queries can take longer to answer.
  • Caching: REST pairs well with HTTP caching; GraphQL needs careful caching strategies and query planning.
  • Versioning: REST often uses versioned endpoints; GraphQL prefers evolving a stable schema with deprecations.
  • Tooling and learning curve: GraphQL provides strong typing and introspection; REST has broad, mature tooling and wide familiarity.

When to choose REST

  • Data is well understood and stable.
  • You rely on HTTP caching and simple access patterns.
  • You publish public or partner APIs with clear resource paths.
  • Time to market is important and you want a flat learning curve.

When to choose GraphQL

  • Clients need varied and nested data from one call.
  • There are many clients (web, mobile, third parties) with different needs.
  • UI changes rapidly and you want to minimize breaking changes.
  • You value a typed schema and you want to unify data access across services.

A practical approach is to start with clear data needs for common screens, compare end-to-end requests, and prototype a small GraphQL layer alongside REST endpoints if needed. For an e-commerce site, REST can handle products and orders well, while GraphQL shines for a mobile app that shows products, reviews, seller details, and images in one query.

Key takeaways

  • Pick REST for simple, stable data with strong HTTP caching.
  • Use GraphQL when clients require flexible, nested data and fewer round trips.
  • A mixed approach can offer the best of both worlds as needs evolve.