GraphQL is a query language for APIs that lets clients request exactly the fields they need from a single endpoint, instead of receiving fixed payloads from many REST endpoints.
What it is
GraphQL is a query language for APIs that lets clients request exactly the fields they need from a single endpoint, instead of receiving fixed payloads from many REST endpoints.
How it actually works
Developed by Facebook (now Meta) and open-sourced in 2015, GraphQL solves two problems with traditional REST APIs: over-fetching (you get more data than you need on every request) and under-fetching (you have to make multiple requests to assemble the data you actually need).
How it works: the server defines a schema describing all available types and fields. The client sends a single query specifying exactly which fields to return. The server resolves only those fields and returns a matching JSON payload. One endpoint, many possible queries.
When GraphQL wins: multiple front-ends (web + mobile + watch) needing different subsets of the same data; complex nested data (a User has Posts that have Comments); rapid front-end iteration where the back-end shouldn't have to ship a new endpoint per feature.
When GraphQL loses: simple CRUD APIs (REST is less effort), public APIs (caching is harder with GraphQL), small teams (the tooling and learning curve are real costs).
Common stacks: Apollo Server / Apollo Client, URQL, Pothos / Yoga (newer, lighter), Hasura (auto-generates GraphQL from a Postgres schema).
At Apex IT Solutions
Our engineering team uses GraphQL as part of standard delivery on relevant projects. Learn more about the related service: Application Development, or get a free consultation on whether this fits your project.
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