graphQL

Software Development

Ask for exactly what is needed in an API call

Hello everyone. In this article, we will examine the GraphQL library, which is used to optimize data exchange between services. We will briefly discuss how GraphQL addresses efficiency, one of the most important criteria today, and the methods it uses for querying data. Let’s explore how GraphQL works and take a quick look at the differences with the standard API mechanism.

What is GraphQL?

GraphQL is a query language developed by Facebook. It is a technology that simplifies data exchange for an API and allows clients to customize the data they need. It was designed to solve the issues of over-fetching (retrieving too much data) and under-fetching (retrieving insufficient data) commonly encountered with REST.

GraphQL vs REST
GraphQL: Flexible and Efficient API Approach

GraphQL allows clients to request data tailored to their needs. Clients can specify only the data fields and related structures they need and receive a customized response from the server. This minimizes issues like over-fetching or under-fetching data.

REST API: Traditional Approach

REST API represents resources and performs operations on these resources using HTTP methods (GET, POST, PUT, DELETE). REST API typically returns data in JSON format and represents specific resources via URL structures.

GraphQL Advantages:
  • Solves over-fetching and under-fetching problems by allowing the client to define the data structure.
  • Can manage many different requests with only a few endpoints.
  • Provides flexibility to developers, as clients have the freedom to specify the exact data they need.
REST API Advantages:
  • REST is simple and has low complexity.
  • Its compatibility with HTTP methods increases widespread usability.
  • Supports caching and benefits from statelessness.
GraphQL Disadvantages:
  • Not as widely adopted as REST, but it is rapidly gaining popularity.
  • May require more optimization and security measures compared to REST.
  • GraphQL has a steeper learning curve compared to REST APIs, making it harder for developers unfamiliar with the technology to adopt.
  • Handling large file uploads or downloads is not as straightforward as in REST APIs, often requiring additional libraries or solutions.
REST API Disadvantages:
  • Over-fetching or under-fetching can lead to performance issues.
  • Requires multiple endpoints to handle different requests, which can make managing a large number of requests more complex.
  • Has limited flexibility in querying and processing data due to its pre-defined endpoint and resource-based approach.
  • As applications grow and evolve, managing changes in REST APIs can become challenging, with some API versions creating maintenance and code duplication issues.

Which one should we choose?
  • For simple CRUD operations, REST is still a strong option.
  • If there are complex data relationships, GraphQL can save time.
  • The flexibility of GraphQL is a great advantage for mobile applications.
  • If you have an existing REST API, the migration cost should be evaluated.

GraphQL Terminology
1. Query

You can actually compare this to the GET method. It is the definition you would use when you want to access a data source. Below is an example of a GraphQL query.

This query will retrieve the id, title, description, and price columns of the product with id 3 in the database.


2. Mutation

If we were to exemplify the definition of Mutation using REST architecture, we could say that the POST, UPDATE, PATCH, and DELETE methods correspond to the Mutation definition. For instance, adding, deleting, and updating a user can be done using the Mutation definition.


3. Subscription

GraphQL provides significant convenience when developing real-time projects. With the Subscription definition, we can be notified in real-time whenever any addition, deletion, or update operation occurs.

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