Backend
REST vs GraphQL: Which One Should You Choose?
A quick comparison of the two API design styles and when to use each.
REST vs GraphQL
REST
- Many endpoints, one URL per resource.
- Easy to cache over HTTP.
- Prone to over-fetching / under-fetching.
GraphQL
- A single endpoint; the client declares exactly which fields it needs.
- Avoids over-fetching.
- Caching is more complex.
Takeaway: REST fits simple/CRUD APIs; GraphQL fits when clients vary widely and need flexible data shapes.