GraphQL

What is GraphQL?

GraphQL is a query language for APIs developed by Meta (Facebook) in 2012 and open-sourced in 2015. Unlike REST APIs, where the server determines what data you get, GraphQL lets the client specify exactly what data is needed. GitHub, Shopify, Twitter and thousands of other companies use GraphQL.

Why GraphQL is useful

GraphQL solves the limitations of REST:

• Exactly the data you need: No more over-fetching or under-fetching
• One endpoint: All data via one URL instead of dozens of REST endpoints
• Strongly typed schema: Self-documenting API with type validation
• Real-time: Subscriptions for live data updates via WebSockets

Time savings with GraphQL

GraphQL reduces the number of API calls and the amount of data transferred. Frontend teams work more independently as they define their own queries.

Hidden features that often go unused

GraphQL offers advanced features that most teams do not utilise:

• Fragments: Reusable query pieces that prevent duplication.
• Directives: Conditional fields with @include and @skip, or custom directives.
• DataLoader: Batch and cache database queries automatically (solving the N+1 problem).
• Federation: Combine multiple GraphQL services into one unified graph.
• Persisted Queries: Send only query hashes in production for better security.
• Introspection: The API explores itself — automatically generate documentation and types.

Integrations with other tools

GraphQL integrates with many other tools and services:

• Apollo & Relay: Popular GraphQL clients for React and other frameworks.
• Node.js: Apollo Server, GraphQL Yoga and Express-GraphQL for backends.
• TypeScript: Automatic type generation from GraphQL schemas with codegen.