Comparison of REST and GraphQL: Strengths and Weaknesses

REST and GraphQL are two formats for designing and developing web services that are based on resource-oriented web architecture.

The REST format is a popular and widely used web architecture that is usually used as a standard for web services. However, GraphQL is a new format that has recently been used for web service development.

Both REST and GraphQL formats are for web services, but they work in different ways. REST usually works based on a series of standard HTTP requests, including GET, POST, PUT, and DELETE, while GraphQL works based on a custom and primary query that generates HTTP requests for the desired service.

In REST, each resource (such as a user or an article) is identified with a specific URL, while in GraphQL, there is no URL for each resource, and all requests are sent based on a unique query.

Strengths of REST

  • Widely used: REST is extensively used for communication with other services and applications.
  • Reliability: Since REST operates on the HTTP standard, it guarantees that the data transferred between services is correct and transferred in the most correct way possible, and any problems in the requests can be checked and detected by HTTP codes.
  • Compatibility with different client applications: REST is compatible with all client applications, allowing different client applications to communicate with different services.
  • Cache creation: REST can use cache to reduce server load and increase the speed of requests.

Weaknesses of REST:

  • Lack of complexity: REST is not suitable for complex data such as relationships between different objects, named data, and user session management.
  • High number of requests: In REST, to retrieve information from multiple sources, multiple requests must be sent to the service.

Strengths of GraphQL:

  • Security: GraphQL is the best method to prevent intrusion attacks such as request forgery attacks.
  • Complexity: GraphQL allows developers to work with complex requests and relationships between different service objects.
  • Performance: GraphQL can process requests simultaneously, which improves service performance.
  • Flexibility: GraphQL allows developers to define custom queries as desired.

Weaknesses of GraphQL

  • Higher learning curve: Using GraphQL requires more knowledge compared to REST, especially in defining new query methods.
  • Client compatibility: One of the issues with GraphQL is that it is not compatible with some client applications, especially for applications that run on platforms that do not support GraphQL.
  • Server requirements: Using GraphQL requires a powerful server that can handle complex queries.
  • Both REST and GraphQL are used to design and provide web services. Each method has its own unique features and advantages.

When choosing between these two methods, you should consider the requirements and needs of your project. If you have complex requirements and relationships between different objects, GraphQL can be a suitable solution.

However, if you are looking for a simple and efficient solution for building and using web services, REST is a suitable option.