GraphQL query language for APIs

GraphQL - Query Language for APIs

What is GraphQL?

GraphQL is a query language for APIs and a runtime for executing queries created by Facebook in 2012. It allows clients to precisely specify the data they need from a single endpoint.

Founded
2012
Creator
Facebook
Type
Query Language
License
MIT
28.8k+
GitHub Stars
50%
Less data transfer
1
API endpoint
schema.graphql
# GraphQL Schema & Query Example
type User {
id: ID!
name: String!
email: String!
posts: [Post!]!
}
type Query {
user(id: ID!): User
}
Query:
{
user(id: "1") {
name
email
posts {
title
}
}
}
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Advantages of GraphQL in business projects

Why GraphQL is revolutionizing API development in 2025? Key benefits over REST API based on facts

Disadvantages of GraphQL - honest assessment

When might GraphQL not be the ideal solution? Here are the challenges and limitations of the query language and ways to mitigate them

What is GraphQL used for?

Main GraphQL applications in 2025 - mobile APIs, microservices aggregation, real-time apps with examples from Facebook, GitHub, Shopify

Mobile application APIs

Precise data fetching, transfer reduction, offline-first with cache, different devices

tech.useCases.frameworks
Apollo ClientRelayGraphQL Codegen
tech.useCases.realExamples

Facebook mobile app, GitHub mobile, Instagram, Shopify mobile

Data aggregation from microservices

Single API for dozens of services, schema federation, data composition, backend-for-frontend

tech.useCases.frameworks
Apollo FederationGraphQL GatewaySchema Stitching
tech.useCases.realExamples

Netflix content API, Airbnb listings, Spotify music catalog, PayPal payment systems

Real-time applications

Live subscriptions, WebSocket connections, instant updates, collaborative features

tech.useCases.frameworks
GraphQL SubscriptionsWebSocketsServer-Sent Events
tech.useCases.realExamples

Slack messaging, Discord voice/chat, GitHub live updates, Trading platforms real-time data

Headless CMS and JAMstack

Content delivery, static site generation, developer experience, flexible frontends

tech.useCases.frameworks
StrapiContentfulGatsbyNext.js
tech.useCases.realExamples

Gatsby websites, Contentful-powered sites, Strapi backends, GraphCMS implementations

FAQ: GraphQL – Frequently Asked Questions

Complete answers about GraphQL - from query language to choosing between GraphQL vs REST, Apollo Client and performance

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