Why You Can't Replace REST with GraphQL
When I Googled “what is GraphQL” to learn more about the network protocols, all I saw was a comparison between REST and GraphQL. Most of the conclusions said, “use GraphQL.” It felt very binary (and trendy, for that matter), which is a problem because each product and use-case is unique. The fact is, whatever is newest and shiniest gets recommended more loudly. But you have to weigh the trade-offs and come up with a solution that is best for your situation.
There is a general understanding that either REST is better than GraphQL or vice versa. But the truth is they both address different problems and have different strengths and weaknesses. The question isn’t necessarily which one is better to use, but which one is better to use for specific circumstances. The best way to evaluate GraphQL, REST, or any other technology is to figure out your constraints based on the problem you are going to solve.
REST is the popular option, and for good reason: it’s quick to learn and implement. No one wants to write complex code if they don’t have to, so it’s not hard to see why quick and easy REST beats complex and clever GraphQL in most situations.
