Matchups: REST vs GraphQL | Web Development Comparison

Overview

REST is an architectural style for designing APIs, using HTTP methods to access resources via predictable URLs.

GraphQL is a query language for APIs, allowing clients to request specific data in a single request.

Both power data fetching: REST is structured, GraphQL is flexible.

Fun Fact: GraphQL was created by Facebook!

Section 1 - Features and Implementation

REST example (Express.js):

import express from 'express'; const app = express(); app.get('/api/users/:id', (req, res) => { res.json({ id: req.params.id, name: 'Alice' }); }); app.listen(3000, () => console.log('REST server on http://localhost:3000'));

GraphQL example (Apollo Server):

import { ApolloServer, gql } from 'apollo-server'; const typeDefs = gql` type User { id: ID! name: String! } type Query { user(id: ID!): User } `; const resolvers = { Query: { user: (_, { id }) => ({ id, name: 'Alice' }), }, }; const server = new ApolloServer({ typeDefs, resolvers }); server.listen(4000).then(() => console.log('GraphQL server on http://localhost:4000'));

REST uses HTTP verbs (GET, POST) and endpoints for resources, with caching via headers. GraphQL uses a single endpoint with queries/mutations, fetching only requested fields. REST is simple, GraphQL reduces over-fetching.

Scenario: REST serves a 100K-user API in 30 lines; GraphQL queries 50K users in 40 lines with precise data. REST is straightforward, GraphQL is precise.

Pro Tip: Use GraphQL’s fragments for reusable queries!

Section 2 - Scalability and Performance

REST scales with caching (e.g., 1M req/sec with CDN), but multiple endpoints may over-fetch. It’s widely supported.

GraphQL scales with query optimization (e.g., 500K req/sec with Apollo), but complex queries need resolvers. It’s less cacheable.

Scenario: REST handles 100K requests in 50ms; GraphQL processes 80K in 60ms. REST is cache-friendly, GraphQL is data-efficient.

Key Insight: REST’s ETag headers boost caching!

Section 3 - Use Cases and Ecosystem

REST powers public APIs (e.g., 300K-user systems), microservices (Swagger), and mobile backends (Express).

GraphQL drives dynamic apps (e.g., 200K-user systems), complex UIs (Apollo), and CMS (Contentful).

REST’s ecosystem includes OpenAPI and Postman; GraphQL’s offers Apollo and Relay. REST is universal, GraphQL is modern.

Example: Twitter uses REST; GitHub uses GraphQL!

Section 4 - Learning Curve and Community

REST’s easy: HTTP methods in hours, endpoints in days. MDN and Swagger docs are extensive.

GraphQL’s moderate: queries in hours, resolvers in days. GraphQL.org and Apollo docs are clear.

REST’s community (Stack Overflow) is vast; GraphQL’s (GitHub, Apollo) is growing. REST is standard, GraphQL is innovative.

Quick Tip: Use REST’s GET for idempotent requests!

Section 5 - Comparison Table

Aspect	REST	GraphQL
Structure	Resource-based	Query-based
Primary Use	Public APIs	Dynamic apps
Performance	Cacheable	Data-efficient
Ecosystem	OpenAPI, Postman	Apollo, Relay
Learning Curve	Easy	Moderate
Best For	Microservices	Complex UIs

REST is simple and cacheable; GraphQL is flexible and precise.

Conclusion

REST and GraphQL offer distinct API approaches. REST’s resource-based, cacheable design suits public APIs and microservices. GraphQL’s query-driven, flexible model excels in dynamic, data-intensive apps.

Choose REST for simple APIs, GraphQL for complex UIs. Use Express for REST or Apollo for GraphQL.

Pro Tip: Combine REST’s caching with GraphQL’s queries for hybrid APIs!

Tech Matchups: REST vs GraphQL