GraphQL
Query language and runtime for APIs that allows clients to request specific data structures in single network calls.
Definition
GraphQL is a query language that enables client applications to specify exactly what data they need from APIs in a single request, eliminating over-fetching and under-fetching problems common with traditional REST APIs. Clients define the structure of returned data.
This approach reduces network requests, improves performance, and provides strong typing with introspective capabilities. GraphQL APIs expose a single endpoint that can handle complex data requirements while maintaining flexibility for diverse client applications with different data needs.
Why It Matters
GraphQL dramatically reduces mobile data usage and improves application performance by eliminating unnecessary data transfer. Applications load 30-60% faster while consuming less bandwidth, crucial for mobile users and emerging markets.
Development teams can iterate faster since frontend developers can access new data without waiting for backend API changes. This independence accelerates feature development and improves team productivity across organizations.
Examples in Practice
GitHub's API v4 uses GraphQL to allow developers to fetch specific repository data, user information, and commit details in single queries rather than multiple REST endpoint calls.
Shopify's Storefront API enables e-commerce applications to request product details, inventory levels, and customer data in precisely the format needed for different interfaces and platforms.
Facebook developed GraphQL to optimize their mobile application's data fetching, reducing network requests and improving performance on slower connections while supporting diverse content types.