𝗴𝗥𝗣𝗖 𝘃𝘀 𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗧 𝘃𝘀 𝗚𝗿𝗮𝗽𝗵𝗤𝗟: 𝗔 𝗗𝗲𝗰𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗙𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗲𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸
You need to choose the right API for your app. Your choice depends on your clients and performance needs.
REST Use REST for public APIs. It is simple.
- Pros: Every developer knows it. It works with all clients.
- Cons: You get too much or too little data. It lacks type safety.
GraphQL Use GraphQL for complex data needs. Clients pick the data they need.
- Pros: Frontend teams move fast.
- Cons: Server logic is complex. Caching is hard.
gRPC Use gRPC for server-to-server calls. It uses Protocol Buffers and HTTP/2.
- Pros: High speed. Strong typing stops bugs.
- Cons: Poor browser support. Harder to learn.
Real-Time
- Use WebSockets for chat or live boards.
- Use SSE for notifications.
The Strategy:
- REST for public access.
- GraphQL for frontend heavy apps.
- gRPC for internal microservices.
- WebSockets for real-time.
Most big apps use a mix of these.
Source: https://dev.to/therizwansaleem/grpc-vs-rest-vs-graphql-a-decision-framework-for-modern-apis-56bl