In web development, developers use APIs to make apps work. APIs allow the front end (what users see) and the back end (the logic and data) to talk to each other. Two of the most popular types of APIs are REST and GraphQL.
Some people think you should choose one: either REST or GraphQL. But many modern apps are now using both together. This is called a hybrid approach. It lets developers enjoy the best parts of each.
If you’re learning web development in full stack developer classes, you will likely hear about both REST and GraphQL. Understanding how they can work together in a single full stack app is very useful.
In this blog, we will explain what REST and GraphQL are, their differences, why you might use both, and how to combine them in one app. We will keep it simple and beginner-friendly.
What is REST?
REST stands for Representational State Transfer. It is a way to build APIs using standard HTTP methods like:
- GET (to get data)
- POST (to add data)
- PUT (to update data)
- DELETE (to remove data)
In REST, each URL (called an endpoint) represents a piece of data or a function. For example:
- GET /users might return a list of users
- POST /products might add a new product
REST APIs are easy to understand and have been used for many years.
Pros of REST
- Easy to use and understand
- Works with most tools and libraries
- Good for simple and small apps
- Well-supported by browsers and servers
Cons of REST
- Fixed data structure: You always get all the data the server sends
- Over-fetching: Sometimes you get more data than you need
- Under-fetching: Sometimes you need to call more than one API to get what you want
What is GraphQL?
GraphQL is a newer way to build APIs. It was created by Facebook. With GraphQL, the client (usually the front end) decides what data it wants.
For example, you can ask only for the name and email of a user, instead of getting the whole user object.
GraphQL uses one endpoint, like /graphql, and sends queries that look like this:
{
user(id: 1) {
name
email
}
}
This query will return only the user’s name and email.
Pros of GraphQL
- You get only the data you ask for
- Fewer API calls needed
- Great for mobile apps with slow networks
- Easy to combine data from many sources
Cons of GraphQL
- More complex to learn
- Needs more setup
- Can be overused for small tasks
- Needs extra care for security and caching
Why Combine REST and GraphQL?
In a real-world app, both GraphQL and REST can be useful. You don’t always need to choose one over the other. Many developers now use both together in a hybrid approach.
Here’s why:
1. Use REST for Simple Tasks
Some things are easier with REST. For example:
- Login and logout
- File uploads
- Sending emails
- Webhooks (like payment success)
These are simple actions where REST is perfect.
2. Use GraphQL for Complex Data
When you want to fetch user data, product lists, or orders with many details, GraphQL is better. It lets the front end choose what it wants and makes fewer API calls.
3. Keep Old REST APIs
Many companies already have REST APIs. Instead of rebuilding everything, they can add GraphQL for new features. This saves time and cost.
4. Test and Move Slowly
You can start with REST and add GraphQL step-by-step. This helps teams learn and switch at their own speed.
How to Combine GraphQL and REST in One App
Here is a simple plan to combine both in a full stack project.
Step 1: Use REST for User Actions
Keep using REST for basic things like:
- Registering a new user (POST /signup)
- Logging in (POST /login)
- Resetting password (POST /forgot-password)
- Uploading files (POST /upload)
These are small tasks that don’t need GraphQL.
Step 2: Add GraphQL for Front-End Data
Use GraphQL when your front-end needs to show complex or mixed data, such as:
- Showing a user’s profile with orders and messages
- Displaying a product page with reviews, prices, and availability
- Listing dashboard stats in one call
This makes the app faster and smoother for users.
Step 3: Connect Both to the Same Database
Both REST and GraphQL can use the same backend and database. You can use:
- Node.js with Express for REST
- Apollo Server or GraphQL Yoga for GraphQL
They can both read and write from the same data store, like MongoDB or PostgreSQL.
Step 4: Use a Single Front-End
Your React, Angular, or Vue app can call REST and GraphQL together.
- Use Axios or Fetch for REST calls
- Use Apollo Client or URQL for GraphQL
You can even combine them inside one component.
Real Example: E-commerce App
Let’s say you are building an e-commerce site. Here’s how you might use both REST and GraphQL.
REST Endpoints
- POST /login – Log in the user
- POST /logout – Log out the user
- POST /upload – Upload product image
- POST /checkout – Place an order
GraphQL Queries
{
product(id: 123) {
name
price
reviews {
user
rating
}
}
}
This query gives all the info needed for a product page in one call.
{
user(id: 5) {
name
email
orders {
id
total
status
}
}
}
This shows a user’s profile and past orders in a single request.
Tools to Help You Combine Both
Here are some tools that make hybrid APIs easier:
- Express.js – for building REST APIs
- Apollo Server – for building GraphQL APIs
- GraphQL Mesh – mix REST, SOAP, and GraphQL into one GraphQL API
- Postman – test both REST and GraphQL APIs
- Hasura – auto-generate GraphQL APIs from a database
These tools are beginner-friendly and used in many companies.
Things to Remember
When using both REST and GraphQL in one project, keep these tips in mind:
1. Use REST for actions, GraphQL for data
If you’re doing something (like placing an order), use REST. If you’re getting something (like fetching orders), use GraphQL.
2. Keep things simple
Don’t use GraphQL for everything. Use the right tool for the right job.
3. Think about security
GraphQL gives clients a lot of power. Use rules to stop too many nested queries or large responses.
4. Watch performance
REST can use browser caching easily. GraphQL needs extra tools like Apollo Cache or Relay.
5. Document everything
Make sure other developers know which API does what. Use tools like Swagger for REST and GraphQL Docs for GraphQL.
Where to Learn More
If you want to learn how to build apps with REST and GraphQL, you can:
- Read the official GraphQL and REST API docs
- Try tutorials on YouTube or websites like freeCodeCamp
- Build small projects using both
- Join a developer course that includes modern API techniques
Conclusion
REST and GraphQL are both powerful tools in full stack development. You don’t need to choose only one. By combining them in a smart way, you get the best of both worlds.
REST is great for simple tasks and actions. GraphQL is great for complex data and flexible responses. Together, they help you build better apps that are faster, cleaner, and easier to manage.
If you are starting your journey in full stack development, learning both will make you more skilled and job-ready. A good full stack developer course will teach you how to build hybrid apps that use both REST and GraphQL.
Keep learning, keep building, and soon you will master the modern way to connect your front-end and back-end.
Contact Us:
Name: ExcelR – Full Stack Developer Course in Hyderabad
Address: Unispace Building, 4th-floor Plot No.47 48,49, 2, Street Number 1, Patrika Nagar, Madhapur, Hyderabad, Telangana 500081
Phone: 087924 83183
