GraphQL: Application Programming Interface or API is used between software or pieces of software in a computing system for the exchange of services or information. GraphQL is a database query language for these APIs. A query language is a type of computer language that makes queries in information systems and databases. Created by Facebook, GraphQL is one of the best and most popular ways to build APIs.
GraphQL is used to provide the data description in an API so that it’s understandable and complete. GraphQL lets the client choose what they need. It also helps to evolve these APIs and through GraphQL useful developer tools can also be enabled. GraphQL API example would always return results that are predictable when a query is sent. There are many reasons why GraphQL should be used to build and consume APIs.
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Fulfilling client requirements-
One of the biggest problems faced by API builders in the past has been the over or under-fetching of information that lags the apps. Through GraphQL, this problem can be avoided. When they need data, they can request it and they will find the exact result that was needed. Even across different entities, different platforms, and differences in logic, the result tends to remain the same. Traditionally, fetching non-trivial data resulted in over-fetching, and specific requests across multiple entities resulted in under-fetching. This wastes bandwidth and is quite unnecessary but when the GraphQL API example is used, this isn’t a problem anymore.
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Easy availability-
If an organisation features multiple teams or systems, it is better to use GraphQL for APIs. GraphQL provides a singular endpoint with which the client interacts. Irrespective of the databases, third-party apps, services, etc. GraphQL will successfully retrieve the necessary data from the required server without even notifying the client. This flexibility and accessibility are why developers prefer GraphQL.
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Single Version-
Until a few years ago, it was a tradition for APIs to improve regularly and with each improvement, the assigned numbers for versions change. This can be very problematic, not just for developers but more for clients since a casual user won’t know the latest version that will be capable of returning the required data.
GraphQL only has one version of an API and if they need to evolve, these changes are tracked and registered. This registry is similar to a version control system that tracks the latest state of a graph. When changes need to be made a new field is introduced and the older one is deprecated. If the older versions will never be needed again, they can also be permanently deleted. A singular API maintains the backward compatibility while also adapting to the newer needs of the clients from the application.
Since Graphql is a much newer language, it can be a little difficult for developers to learn. It is quite different from the older languages and developers will need some time to get used to it. It also needs a little more investment by an organisation than the traditional languages, especially if maintained over larger systems. However, GraphQL is undoubtedly better than the previous practises and should be used to make great APIs.