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Graphql Vs Rest

src/data/question-groups/full-stack/content/graphql-vs-rest.md

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GraphQL is a query language for APIs that allows clients to request exactly the data they need, reducing over-fetching or under-fetching.

Main differences with REST:

Data Fetching:

  • REST: Fixed endpoints return predefined data
  • GraphQL: Single endpoint with flexible queries

Batching:

  • GraphQL can fetch related data in one request (nested queries)
  • REST often requires multiple endpoints for related data

Versioning:

  • REST may need new versions for API changes
  • GraphQL avoids versioning by evolving schemas

Example GraphQL Query:

graphql
query {
  user(id: 1) {
    name
    posts {
      title
    }
  }
}