RESTful APIs vs GraphQL: Which One to Choose for Fullstack Development?

What are RESTful APIs and GraphQL?

RESTful APIs and GraphQL are two popular methods for building APIs in fullstack development. REST uses a resource-based approach with HTTP methods, while GraphQL uses a query language to fetch specific data.

RESTful API

RESTful APIs organize endpoints by resources and use methods like GET, POST, PUT, and DELETE. It is a widely adopted standard in API development.

// Example REST API Endpoint
app.get('/api/users', (req, res) => {
    const users = [{ id: 1, name: 'John Doe' }];
    res.json(users);
});
        

GraphQL

GraphQL allows clients to request specific data and get exactly what they need in a single request. It is flexible and efficient, making it suitable for complex applications.

// Example GraphQL Query
{
    user(id: "1") {
        name
        email
    }
}
        

Choosing Between REST and GraphQL

Developers should choose REST when simplicity and standardization are important. GraphQL is better when flexibility and efficiency are priorities, especially in complex or evolving applications.