More in LearnWhat Is GraphQL?
GraphQL is a specification that describes a declarative query language in which web and mobile clients can ask an application programming interface (API) for the exact data they want.
Schema: the center of GraphQL implementation. It describes the functionality available to the clients that are connecting to it.
SDL: Schema Definition Language, or SDL, is the type system that’s used to define the schema of an API.
Query: an API request made by the client machine application. It supports augments and points to arrays. A query is used to read or fetch values.
Mutation: a way to change the dataset in GraphQL. It modifies data in the data store and returns a value. Mutations help you to insert, update, or delete data.
GraphQL and REST have several differences. Here is a list of the most important.
Characteristics of REST:
- Fast client-side requirements are not well suited to REST's static nature.
- Queries are made at various endpoints (URL).
- Downloading unnecessary information.
- Several endpoints (URL) must be consulted to obtain the information that is being sought.
Characteristics of GraphQL:
- Single endpoint (URL).
- GraphQL uses a strongly-typed system to define the capabilities of an API.
- Schemas serve as a contract between the client and the server.
- The frontend and backend can work completely independently.
- GraphQL ORG (main GraphQL website)
- How to GraphQL (videos, articles, infographics)
- GraphQL Cheatsheet (glossary, definitions, infographics)
