: Which is better?

# REST vs. GraphQL: Which is better?

When it comes to building web applications, choosing the right API design can make all the difference. Two popular options are REST and GraphQL. In this blog post, we will explore the differences between these two approaches and determine which one might be better suited for your needs.

## What is REST?

REST, or Representational State Transfer, is an architectural style for designing networked applications. It relies on a stateless, client-server protocol, where the client and server exchange representations of resources. RESTful APIs typically use HTTP methods like GET, POST, PUT, and DELETE to perform operations on resources.

One of the key features of REST is its ability to work with a wide variety of data formats, including JSON, XML, and YAML. This flexibility makes it a popular choice for web developers.

## What is GraphQL?

GraphQL is a query language for APIs, developed by Facebook in 2012. It provides a more efficient and flexible alternative to traditional REST APIs. With GraphQL, clients can request specific data and shape the response according to their needs. This is achieved by defining a schema that describes the types and fields of the data.

One of the main advantages of GraphQL is its ability to reduce the amount of data transferred over the network. Clients can specify exactly what data they need, and the server will only return that data, reducing the risk of over- or under-fetching.

## Comparing REST and GraphQL

Now that we have a basic understanding of REST and GraphQL, let’s compare the two approaches.

### Flexibility

REST is a more flexible approach, allowing clients to work with a wide variety of data formats and providing a stateless design. GraphQL, on the other hand, offers a more structured approach with its schema definition. This can be both an advantage and a disadvantage, depending on your needs.

### Data Fetching

As mentioned earlier, GraphQL allows clients to request specific data and shape the response according to their needs. This can result in fewer network requests and less data transferred, making it more efficient than REST in some cases. However, REST can also be efficient if designed properly, and it does not require the client to make multiple requests to fetch data.

### Learning Curve

For developers familiar with REST, learning GraphQL may require some time and effort. GraphQL’s schema and query language have a learning curve, and it may take some time to understand how to effectively use it.

### Tooling and Support

REST has been around for a long time, and it has a vast ecosystem of tools and libraries available for various programming languages. GraphQL, being a newer technology, has a growing ecosystem but may not have the same level of support as REST.

## So, Which is Better?

Ultimately, the choice between REST and GraphQL depends on your specific needs and preferences. If flexibility and a large ecosystem of tools are important to you, REST may be the better choice. On the other hand, if you value efficiency and a more structured approach, GraphQL might be the way to go.

It’s important to note that both technologies can coexist and even complement each other in a web application. It’s not uncommon to use REST for certain parts of an application and GraphQL for others.

In conclusion, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to whether REST or GraphQL is better. It’s essential to evaluate your project’s requirements and choose the approach that best fits your needs.

### Additional Resources

– [REST vs. GraphQL: Which is better?](https://www.howtographql.com/basics/rest-vs-graphql/)
– [REST vs. GraphQL: A Comparison](https://www.keithcasey.com/rest-vs-graphql-comparison/)
– [REST vs. GraphQL: The Ultimate Showdown](https://www.fullstory.com/blog/rest-vs-graphql-the-ultimate-showdown/)