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API Development
API Design: REST vs GraphQL Best Practices
Design robust APIs for your applications. Compare REST and GraphQL, learn best practices for API development.
Ankit 12 min readJanuary 20, 2025
API Design Fundamentals
APIs are the backbone of modern software architecture.
REST Principles
- Resource-based URLs
- HTTP methods (GET, POST, PUT, DELETE)
- Stateless communication
- JSON/XML responses
GraphQL Advantages
- Single endpoint
- Client-specified queries
- Strong typing
- Real-time subscriptions
When to Use Which
REST
- Simple CRUD operations
- Caching important
- Standardization needed
GraphQL
- Complex data requirements
- Mobile applications
- Rapid iteration
Best Practices
- Version your APIs
- Use proper status codes
- Implement authentication
- Document thoroughly
- Rate limiting
Conclusion
Choose the right API paradigm based on your specific requirements.
APIRESTGraphQL
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