GraphQL vs REST: Choosing the Right API Layer

REST strengths

REST remains excellent for cacheable resources, simple CRUD, and public APIs with predictable URLs. HTTP verbs and status codes are well understood by clients and gateways.

GraphQL strengths

GraphQL reduces over-fetching for mobile and composite UIs. A single schema documents relationships; clients request exactly the fields they need.

BFF pattern

Many teams expose GraphQL at a backend-for-frontend layer while microservices stay REST or gRPC internally.

Caching realities

REST leverages HTTP caching naturally. GraphQL needs field-level strategies—CDN edge caching works for public queries with persisted operations.

Hybrid recommendation

Use REST for webhooks, file uploads, and third-party integrations. Use GraphQL where client diversity and nested data dominate. Document the boundary clearly.