GraphQL vs REST: When to Choose Which for Your Node.js Backend

As a developer building APIs, you're often faced with a pivotal choice: should you go with the tried-and-true REST architecture or adopt the more modern GraphQL? Both have their strengths and weaknesses, and the decision depends largely on the needs of your application.

We’ll explore here the key differences between GraphQL and REST, highlight their advantages and drawbacks, and discuss when to choose one over the other for your Node.js backend.

What Is REST?

REST (Representational State Transfer) is a set of architectural principles for designing networked applications. RESTful APIs expose data through endpoints that correspond to resources, typically using HTTP verbs:

• GET: Retrieve data.

• POST: Create data.

• PUT/PATCH: Update data.

• DELETE: Delete data.

Key Characteristics of REST:

• Stateless: Each request is independent, containing all information needed to process it.

• Resource-Oriented: URLs represent resources (/users, /orders).

• Uses HTTP Status Codes: Communicates success, failure, or other request statuses.

What Is GraphQL?

GraphQL, developed by Facebook, is a query language and runtime for APIs that allows clients to request only the data they need. Unlike REST, GraphQL has a single endpoint, and the client defines the structure of the response.

Key Characteristics of GraphQL:

• Single Endpoint: Typically /graphql.

• Flexible Queries: Clients can fetch exactly the data they need.

• Strongly-Typed Schema: Defines the structure of the API, making it self-documenting.

GraphQL vs REST: A Feature Comparison

Advantages of REST

1. Simplicity

REST APIs follow a predictable pattern and are easy to set up with Node.js frameworks like Express.

2. Widely Adopted

Most developers are familiar with REST, and tooling/support is extensive.

3. Caching

REST can leverage HTTP caching mechanisms for performance optimization.

4. Scalability

Its stateless nature makes REST APIs easier to scale.

Advantages of GraphQL

1. Client-Centric

Clients request exactly the data they need, reducing over-fetching or under-fetching.

2. Single Endpoint

All operations happen through a single /graphql endpoint, simplifying the client-server interaction.

3. Strong Typing and Introspection

GraphQL APIs are self-documenting, thanks to their strongly-typed schema and introspection capabilities.

4. Real-Time Support

GraphQL supports subscriptions for real-time data updates, ideal for live features like chat or notifications.

Disadvantages of REST

1. Over-fetching/Under-fetching

REST endpoints may return too much or too little data, leading to inefficiencies.

2. Versioning

Changes to the API often require creating new versions, which can lead to maintenance challenges.

Disadvantages of GraphQL

1. Complexity

GraphQL introduces a steeper learning curve for developers new to the technology.

2. Overhead on Simple APIs

For straightforward APIs, GraphQL might add unnecessary complexity.

3. Caching Challenges

Unlike REST, GraphQL does not natively integrate with HTTP caching, requiring custom solutions.

When to Choose REST

• Simple, Resource-Based APIs: CRUD operations with straightforward data models.

• Strong Caching Needs: REST is ideal for APIs that benefit from HTTP caching.

• Minimal Client Customization: If clients don’t need tailored responses.

• Familiarity and Ecosystem: When your team is more comfortable with REST.

When to Choose GraphQL

• Complex Data Requirements: Ideal when clients need flexible queries.

• Multiple Frontends: GraphQL works well when serving data to various platforms (web, mobile, etc.).

• Real-Time Applications: GraphQL’s subscription feature is great for live updates.

• Iterative API Development: Use GraphQL to evolve the API schema without breaking clients.

Implementing REST in Node.js

1. Install Express:

npm install express  

1. Create a simple REST API:

import express from 'express';  
const app = express();  
app.get('/users', (req, res) => res.json([{ id: 1, name: 'John' }]));  
app.listen(3000, () => console.log('REST API running on port 3000'));  

Implementing GraphQL in Node.js

1. Install Apollo Server:

npm install @apollo/server graphql

1. Create a GraphQL API:

import { ApolloServer } from '@apollo/server';
import { startStandaloneServer } from '@apollo/server/standalone';

const typeDefs = `#graphql
  # This "Book" type defines the queryable fields for every book in our data source.
  type Book {
    title: String
    author: String
  }

  # The "Query" type is special: it lists all of the available queries that
  # clients can execute, along with the return type for each. 
  type Query {
    books: [Book]
  }
`;

// Resolvers define how to fetch the types defined in your schema.
const resolvers = {
  Query: {
    books: () => books,
  },
};

const server = new ApolloServer({
  typeDefs,
  resolvers,
});

const { url } = await startStandaloneServer(server, {
  listen: { port: 4000 },
});

console.log(`🚀  Server ready at: ${url}`);

Conclusion

Choosing between REST and GraphQL for your Node.js backend depends on your project’s needs. REST is ideal for simplicity, scalability, and caching, while GraphQL shines in flexibility, client-driven data fetching, and real-time capabilities. By understanding their strengths and weaknesses, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your development goals.

Happy coding!