What is GraphQL?

What is GraphQL?
by Miguel Norberto

GraphQL is a query language for APIs and a runtime for fulfilling those queries with your data.

GraphQL provides a complete and understandable description of the data in your API, gives clients the power to ask for exactly what they need, makes it easy to evolve APIs over time, and enables powerful developer tools.

History: How did GraphQL come about?

In 2012, Facebook released a white paper on GraphQL. Facebook’s engineers designed it as a more efficient and powerful replacement for the traditional REST API. GraphQL allows clients to specify exactly what data they need from servers and delivers only that data. This eliminates the need for multiple round-trips to fetch all the necessary data for a page or screen.

GraphQL API is a powerful technology that can be used to develop APIs. It allows developers to create APIs that are easy to use and understand. Additionally, GraphQL API provides a number of benefits, including improved performance and reliability.

How does GraphQL compare to other API technologies?

GraphQL is a query language for APIs and a runtime for fulfilling those queries with your existing data.

GraphQL provides a more efficient, powerful, and flexible way to access data than other technologies like REST or SOAP. With GraphQL, you can define the shape of your data in advance, which makes it perfect for modern web and mobile applications. Since GraphQL is also a runtime, it can automatically fetch only the needed data, which improves performance and reduces bandwidth usage.

Is GraphQL the right choice for your project?

GraphQL is a powerful tool that can be used for many projects. However, it is important to weigh the pros and cons of using GraphQL before deciding. If you are looking for a more efficient way to query data, GraphQL may be the right choice for you.

Subscribe to Miguel Norberto

Sign up now to get access to the library of members-only issues.
Jamie Larson
Subscribe