GraphQL vs REST API: Which Should You Use?
Side-by-side comparison of GraphQL and REST API data formats — features, pros, cons, and conversion options.
GraphQL is best for Flexible API queries where clients need varied data shapes. REST API is best for Defining and testing HTTP requests in VS Code with the REST Client extension.
Quick Verdict
- ✓ Client specifies exactly what data it needs
- ✓ Single endpoint replaces multiple REST calls
- ✓ Strong type system with introspection
- ✗ Complex query planning and N+1 problems
- ✓ Test HTTP requests directly from your editor
- ✓ Human-readable request definitions
- ✓ Supports variables and environments
- ✗ Editor-specific (VS Code REST Client)
Specs Comparison
Side-by-side technical comparison of GraphQL and REST API
| Feature | GraphQL | REST API |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Data | Data |
| Year Introduced | 2015 | 2016 |
| MIME Type | application/graphql | application/json |
| Extensions | .graphql, .gql | .json |
| Plain Text | ✓ | ✓ |
| Typed | ✓ | ✗ |
| Nested | ✓ | ✗ |
| Human Readable | ✓ | ✓ |
| Schema Support | ✓ | ✗ |
| Streaming | ✗ | ✗ |
| Binary Efficient | ✗ | ✗ |
Pros & Cons
GraphQL
- ✓ Client specifies exactly what data it needs
- ✓ Single endpoint replaces multiple REST calls
- ✓ Strong type system with introspection
- ✗ Complex query planning and N+1 problems
- ✗ Caching is harder than REST
- ✗ Steeper learning curve
REST API
- ✓ Test HTTP requests directly from your editor
- ✓ Human-readable request definitions
- ✓ Supports variables and environments
- ✗ Editor-specific (VS Code REST Client)
- ✗ No programmatic execution API
- ✗ Limited assertion capabilities
When to Use Each
Choose GraphQL when...
- You need files optimized for Flexible API queries where clients need varied data shapes
- Client specifies exactly what data it needs
- Single endpoint replaces multiple REST calls
Choose REST API when...
- You need files optimized for Defining and testing HTTP requests in VS Code with the REST Client extension
- Test HTTP requests directly from your editor
- Human-readable request definitions
How to Convert
Convert between GraphQL and REST API for free on ChangeThisFile
Frequently Asked Questions
GraphQL is best for Flexible API queries where clients need varied data shapes, while REST API is best for Defining and testing HTTP requests in VS Code with the REST Client extension. Both are data formats but they differ in compression, compatibility, and intended use cases.
It depends on your use case. GraphQL is better for Flexible API queries where clients need varied data shapes. REST API is better for Defining and testing HTTP requests in VS Code with the REST Client extension. Consider your specific requirements when choosing between them.
Go to the GraphQL to REST API converter on ChangeThisFile. Upload your file and the conversion processes on the server, then auto-deletes. It's free with no signup required.
Direct conversion from REST API to GraphQL is not currently supported. Check the conversion pages for available routes using intermediate formats.
File size varies depending on the content, compression method, and quality settings of each format. In general, lossy formats produce smaller files than lossless ones. Test with your specific files to compare actual sizes.
Yes, GraphQL supports typed, but REST API does not. This may be important depending on your use case.
Both GraphQL and REST API are supported file formats that are free to use. You can convert between them for free on ChangeThisFile — server-side conversions are free with no signup required.
REST API is newer — it was introduced in 2016, while GraphQL dates back to 2015. Newer formats often offer better compression and features, but older formats tend to have wider compatibility.
Related Comparisons
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