GraphQL vs REST: When to Use Which
The GraphQL hype has died down. Let's have a real conversation about when each makes sense.
The Great API Debate
A few years ago, GraphQL was going to replace REST everywhere. That... didn't happen. Now that the hype has cooled, let's talk about when each actually makes sense.
Quick Refresher
**REST**:
GET /api/users/123
GET /api/users/123/posts
GET /api/users/123/followers**GraphQL**:
query {
user(id: 123) {
name
email
posts { title }
followers { name }
}
}When REST Wins
Simple CRUD APIs
If you're building a straightforward resource-based API, REST is simpler:
// This is perfectly fine
app.get('/api/products', getProducts);
app.get('/api/products/:id', getProduct);
app.post('/api/products', createProduct);
app.put('/api/products/:id', updateProduct);
app.delete('/api/products/:id', deleteProduct);No schema to maintain, no resolvers to write. Just endpoints.
Caching
REST's URL-based caching is dead simple. GraphQL caching is... complicated.
Public APIs
Most developers know REST. GraphQL has a learning curve. If you want easy adoption, stick with REST.
When GraphQL Wins
Complex Data Requirements
When your frontend needs data from multiple related resources, GraphQL shines:
query DashboardData {
currentUser {
name
notifications { message, read }
recentOrders {
id
items { name, price }
status
}
}
systemStats { activeUsers, revenue }
}One request instead of 5. No over-fetching, no under-fetching.
Mobile Apps
Bandwidth matters on mobile. Getting exactly what you need is valuable:
# Mobile app only needs basics
query { user { name, avatar } }
# Desktop wants more
query { user { name, avatar, email, bio, socialLinks } }Rapid Frontend Development
When frontend devs can get exactly the data they need without backend changes? That's powerful for iteration speed.
My Approach
For most projects, I start with REST. It's familiar, well-understood, and easier to maintain.
I reach for GraphQL when:
- Multiple clients with different data needs
- Deeply nested relational data
- High API change velocity
Neither is universally better. Use the right tool for your situation.
What's your take? I'd love to hear real-world experiences in the Discord.