Overview
GraphQL is a query language and runtime for APIs developed by Facebook. It provides a more efficient and flexible alternative to traditional RESTful APIs by allowing clients to request precisely the data they need. GraphQL's strong typing and schema definition help ensure data consistency and optimize data fetching. Additionally, it supports real-time updates through subscriptions, allowing clients to receive immediate notifications of changes. Its single endpoint approach simplifies API management and reduces the complexity of multiple requests.
Key Features:
- Flexible Queries: Clients can request specific data structures and fields.
- Strong Typing: Uses a schema to define the structure of data and validate queries.
- Single Endpoint: Uses a single endpoint for querying and mutating data.
- Real-time Updates: Supports subscriptions for real-time data updates.
- Efficient Data Fetching: Reduces over-fetching and under-fetching of data.
Use Cases:
- Modern web and mobile applications
- Real-time applications and services
- Complex data queries with multiple resources