What is GraphQL?

GraphQL is a powerful query language for APIs and a runtime for executing those queries with your data's type system. Unlike REST, which uses predefined endpoints to access data, GraphQL allows clients to request exactly what they need and nothing more.

Origin and Development

GraphQL was developed by Facebook in 2012 to address the need for more flexibility and efficiency in client-server interactions, particularly for mobile applications. It was open-sourced in 2015 and is now maintained by a large community.

Why GraphQL?

The main advantage of GraphQL over REST is its efficiency and flexibility. Clients have the control to request exactly what they need, reducing the amount of data transferred over the network. Additionally, GraphQL APIs are organized in terms of types and fields, not endpoints, allowing for more structured and powerful queries.

Comparing GraphQL and REST

While REST is based on resource endpoints, GraphQL uses a single endpoint and provides a complete and understandable description of the data in the API. This allows clients to query for precisely what they need, get many resources in a single request, and evolve APIs without versions.

For a deeper dive into GraphQL and practical tutorials, visit the official GraphQL documentation.