Key Concepts in GraphQL
1. Schema
The schema is the soul of GraphQL. It defines the types of data that can be queried and how they relate to each other. It serves as a contract between the client and the server, outlining the structure of the data that can be requested.
2. Query
In GraphQL, a query is a request for specific data. Users can ask for just the information they require because it reflects the format of the response. The structure of the schema is directly correlated with the hierarchical nature of queries.
3. Mutation
While queries are used for fetching data, mutations are used for modifying data on the server. They allow clients to make changes to the data, such as adding a new record or updating an existing one.
GraphQL vs REST: Which is Better for APIs?
In the world of web development, communication between a client (like a web or mobile app) and a server is crucial. Traditional REST APIs have been the go-to solution for many years, but GraphQL is emerging as a powerful alternative that offers more flexibility and efficiency. GraphQL is a query language for API and a server-side runtime engine used for data query and manipulation. It was developed by Facebook, and later made open source, and is now managed by GraphQL foundation hosted by Linux foundation. Many popular public APIs like Facebook, GitHub, Yelp, Shopify, and Google Directions API adopted GraphQL as the default way to access their services.