REST API vs GraphQL

REST and GraphQL are two approaches to designing APIs. REST uses fixed endpoints that return predefined data structures. GraphQL uses a single endpoint where the client specifies exactly what data it wants.

How REST APIs work

REST organizes data around resources at unique URLs with standard HTTP methods (GET, POST, PUT, DELETE). Each endpoint returns a fixed data structure. REST's strength is simplicity — caching works naturally via HTTP headers, and API documentation tools like OpenAPI generate interactive docs automatically.

How GraphQL works

GraphQL exposes a single endpoint with a schema. The client sends a query specifying exactly which fields it needs — one request, one response, only the fields you asked for. GraphQL's strength is precision: mobile clients can request minimal data, complex UIs can fetch everything in one round trip.

The real trade-offs

Caching: REST wins — each URL is a cacheable resource. Over-fetching/under-fetching: GraphQL eliminates both by letting clients specify requirements. Tooling: REST has decades of tooling (Postman, curl, OpenAPI). GraphQL tooling is strong but newer. Rate limiting: REST rate limits by endpoint. GraphQL rate limits by query complexity, which is harder to implement.

Which matters for automation and integrations?

Most public APIs are REST. CodeWords workflows interact with both — 500+ integrations via Composio and Pipedream handle REST API authentication, pagination, and rate limiting automatically. Choose REST for broad compatibility. Choose GraphQL for complex nested data requirements where you control both client and server. Start from a template or describe your integration needs to Cody.