In recent times, several alternatives to the REST API has been created. But the best among these alternatives stand to be GraphQL. Just as every other thing has its pros and Cons, GraphQL does also. In some cases, GraphQL will appear to be a better choice, while in others, Rest APIs might be the most preferred.

In this article, we would discuss the major differences between REST APIs and GraphQL. This will help you to make a better decision when it comes to your automation needs.

What is GraphQL

GraphQL is a syntax that tells you how you can ask for data. It is normally employed to load data from a server to a consumer. In essence, GraphQL is in the form of a query. This query is then transmitted to a server for the purpose of interpretation. After the interpretation, JSON is returned to the end-user.

GraphQL exhibits 3 major characteristics. They are listed below.

• It allows the consumer to specify what kind of data needed.
• It allows the aggregation of data from several sources.
• It has one type of data description.

GraphQL gives it's users the ability to fetch required information through a single call. This is helpful compared to making several requests in fetching the Same information.

GraphQL follows the same pattern as REST APIs. But it makes use of one interface to organize data into graphs. In the GraphQL schema, nodes see used to represent objects. Also, the connection between two or more nodes in the graph is represented by edges. Afterward, a resolver that assesses the data of the server backs up each object.

The moment a GraphQL server acknowledges a consumer request, the query root gets started. When this happens, the resolver begins to run every field on the object that is requested. Each field value is contained by a key-value map. Some also bring back another object by assigning another batch of fields. This process continues until only a number or string is returned. Afterward, the server replies with a clustered set of objects in accordance with the request of the consumer.

Major Differences Between GraphQL and REST APIs

Rest API is a concept of architecture for software that is network-based. On the other hand, GraphQL is a specification and a query language. It is also a tool-set that uses HTTP to operate over one endpoint. In recent years, new APIs have been created using REST. While GraphQL focuses on optimizing flexibility and performance.

The merit of GraphQL over REST APIs

In the process of using REST API to procure information, a complete dataset is what you get in return. For instance, you might want to get information from 2 objects. For that to happen, 2 REST API requests need to be performed. The benefit of REST API is its clarity. There's one endpoint that carries out the task. So it is simple to manipulate and understand. In simple terms, X endpoint produces X data.

On the other hand, if you want to get information from a particular endpoint, the fields that the REST API brings back are unlimited. This way, you'll get a dataset that is complete always. This is a phenomenon that is called over fetching. GraphQL streamlines the request to precisely what you need using a query language. This occurs from many objects down to the precise field. GraphQL can do a lot with information form X endpoint. You only have to input what you want.

The fact is GraphQL has proven to be incredibly powerful. This happens the moment you how to utilize it. The reason is that you only fetch the data you require. So there's less processing involved and you get your specific data. The moment you fancy automation, you begin to understand better.

The Merit of REST API Over

Over the years, REST has served as the industrial criterion for companies that are deploying APIs. This is because the endpoints of REST are developed and have been in use for a long time. Amazingly, OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) now have REST endpoints. I am very sure you'd be familiar with REST if you have done any kind of automation.

Furthermore, API analytics are simpler to procure for REST. This is because of insufficient tooling for GraphQL. GraphQL has guaranteed more insights in the near future. This can only happen when there's the availability of more tools that supports GraphQL.

GraphQL: Bottom Line

A learning curve has been adapted with GraphQL. But this curve is not as popular as REST APIs. Interestingly enough, it's worth it. Life can become a lot easier when creating automation with GraphQL. This is because you only get the data you desire. Additionally, there is an increase in the performance of your automation. This is because you don't have to process a large number of data. In all, any improvement in performance during automation is a big win.