REST vs. GraphQL Comparison: A New Era for Enterprise E-Commerce APIs
In online business, communication between websites and applications is essential. They achieve this through something called an API. An API can be considered as a waiter in a restaurant. You (the app or website) place your order (data) with the waiter. It subsequently retrieves exactly what you requested.
For a while now, the most popular “waiter” was REST. But now, a new kid on the block called GraphQL has arrived. Both REST and GraphQL try to solve the problem of system interaction. However, their approaches are slightly different.
This post aims to outline those differences. We will examine how GraphQL impacts large online stores (“enterprise e-commerce”).
What is REST?
A REST API functions under the rules of Representational State Transfer and provides us with standards for creating APIs. REST APIs allow you to get the information you need by calling it through URLs. Each URL returns a pre-determined value, which means that when you call the URL, additional information is not fetched outside of that set value.
You can think of REST as the ability to order straight off a restaurant menu. If you want a burger, you call for the burger” URL.” This means that you do not get only the burger part but rather the whole burger, which includes the content description that comes alongside it.
Key features of REST:
- Employs standard web methods such as GET, POST, PUT, and DELETE. Each action tells a server what to do with the data (fetch, put, update, delete).
- Provides data using standard protocols like JSON and XML. JSON is one of the most popular frameworks.
- Adheres to a stateless policy. Every client request made to the server is self-contained. The server does not retain any information for future use.
What is GraphQL?
GraphQL is a query language for your API. Imagine a more customer-friendly waiter. Instead of placing a fixed order, you can tell a waiter your desired ingredients. You request pieces of data and receive only the requested ones while being provided additional items.
Facebook was the company that developed GraphQL. Its purpose was to serve the client efficiently and flexiblely. This allowed the client (application or website) to specify what data they plan to fetch.
Key features of GraphQL:
- Employs a single endpoint. Rather than “one URL for every data request,” there is customarily just one URL.
- The client specifies what information they require. If only the name and price of a product are needed, then that is what can be requested instead of requiring the description and images.
- Works with a schema. The defined schema specifies all data that exists and how they relate. This assists clients in knowing what they can ask for.
REST vs. GraphQL: Key Differences
We will explain the differences between REST and GraphQL in the simplest way possible and highlight the major distinctions.
Feature | REST | GraphQL |
Endpoints | Multiple endpoints for different resources | Single endpoint for all requests |
Data Fetching | Returns fixed sets of data | Clients request specific data |
Over-fetching | Possible (getting more data than needed) | Avoided (getting only requested data) |
Under-fetching | Possible (needing multiple requests) | Reduced (can get all needed data in one) |
Flexibility | Less flexible for specific data needs | More flexible for specific data needs |
Schema | Not strictly enforced at the API level | Strongly typed schema defines data |
Complexity | Can be simpler for basic operations | Can be more complex to set up initially |
Why is GraphQL a New Era for Enterprise E-Commerce APIs?
Major online retailers possess a wealth of information. They must display product information, user details, order summaries, and much more. Their web pages and mobile applications must be optimally responsive and effective. This is where GraphQL excels.
Efficiency
REST can require multiple calls to fetch all the requisite data for a certain page of an application—reviews, name, price, and images for products in this case. An eCommerce GraphQL service can fetch all of this information in one request, which dramatically improves app performance and lowers bandwidth consumption.
Flexibility
GraphQL permits every part of an eCommerce program to request exactly what information it requires while avoiding the collection of surplus data. The application’s main page may require just the names and pictures of the products, while the product detail page requires much more.
Faster Development
When data requirements change, the rest of the API will need to be reconfigured to supply distinct data sets and possibly add entirely new endpoints. With GraphQL, however, there’s no need to modify server code. Clients only need to request the new data fields they require, dramatically boosting the development speed.
Better Performance on Mobile
Mobile devices usually operate on slower networks. Mobile GraphQL’s optimization of only fetching critical information is crucial. This leads to greatly improved loading times and better user experience.
Real-time Updates
Features like subscriptions built into GraphQL facilitate automatic and real-time data updates. This is applicable to displaying live inventory and order status updates in the e-commerce store.
Challenges of Using GraphQL
Although the benefits of using GraphQL are numerous, there are a few cons as well:
Complexity
Setting up a GraphQL server can be more intricate than simpler REST APIs.
Learning Curve
Shifting from REST to GraphQL API requires adapting to a new way of conceptualizing APIs.
Caching
Due to the flexible nature of queries in GraphQL, caching responses becomes more problematic than with REST.
Security: Exposed considerations require attention in GraphQL APIs.
Enterprise E-Commerce and the Shift to GraphQL
Larger e-commerce firms have started to embrace GraphQL. They recognize the advantages of its performance, flexibility, and speedier development. As e-commerce platforms become more intricate and customers demand faster services with high levels of personalization, GraphQL provides an efficient means of managing and delivering data.
Conclusion
REST has long been used to standardize APIs, but GraphQL provides a swifter and more flexible approach to managing data, particularly for enterprise e-commerce systems. It optimizes performance, accelerates development cycles, and enables enhanced control over data retrieval.
We at Webbytroops recognize the shifting requirements of e-commerce businesses. We offer specialized services in developing REST and GraphQL APIs tailored to robust, scalable online stores. Our skilled professionals guarantee integrated systems’ protection and seamless operation while maintaining optimal usability. Whether migrating to GraphQL or further enhancing existing RESTful services, Webbytroops empowers your business to thrive in the digital market with our robust solution
FAQs
1) Is GraphQL going to replace REST completely?
No, it is rather certain that GraphQL will not utterly eradicate REST. Simpler APIs still work well with REST. For multi-faceted data ecosystems, like enterprise e-commerce, GraphQL-powered APIs are often better. Both options have their advantages and disadvantages
2) Is REST easier to learn than GraphQL?
Unlike REST, GraphQL can be more challenging at the onset because learning schema and querying languages can be tedious. However, once you grasp the fundamentals, it becomes a powerful asset. For basic tasks, REST is regarded as easier.