How GraphQL is Transforming .NET Development

Client and server communication has traditionally relied on REST APIs. This approach works well, but modern applications have grown more powerful and complex. This increasing complexity needs a more flexible and efficient solution; that’s where GraphQL comes in. In this article, we’ll cover the key concepts of GraphQL and why it is becoming the preferred choice for developers. If you want to improve your backend development skills, consider enrolling in the best .NET Core course in Kerala, the best .NET Core course in Thrissur, or the best .NET Core course in Kochi Infopark. These courses can help you master GraphQL integration with .NET Core for real-world projects.
What is GraphQL
GraphQL is an open-source data query language for APIs and It is a server-side runtime for executing the query. The server’s GraphQL runtime takes care of executing the query and ensuring that the right data is fetched and sent back.
It is an alternative to REST, where clients make multiple requests to different endpoints to get the data they require but in GraphQL clients can request exactly the data they need in a single query.
It was developed by Facebook and made open source for the whole world.
Example: Let’s take an example, Suppose We have a REST API for a blog. If we want to get a blog post and its author information then We have to make two separate requests to the server:
- one for the blog post
- another for the author’s details.
But In GraphQL, we will request both in one query and It will reduce network overhead.
Key Features of GraphQL
GraphQL has several features that set it apart from traditional REST APIs, offering developers a more flexible and efficient way to manage data. Let’s explore these features as follows:
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Flexible Queries
Clients can request exactly the data they need, avoiding over-fetching and under-fetching.
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Strongly Typed
GraphQL schemas provide clear data structures and types, reducing runtime errors.
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Real-time Updates
GraphQL supports subscriptions for real-time data interactions.
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Single Endpoint
Unlike REST, GraphQL typically uses a single endpoint for all data requests
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Introspection
Clients can explore the schema's capabilities through introspection queries.
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Batching
Multiple queries can be sent in a single request to minimize network overhead.
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Efficient for Mobile
GraphQL can be more efficient for mobile devices by reducing data transfer.
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Versioning
It eliminates the need for versioning in APIs, as changes can be made without breaking existing clients.
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