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Laura asks:March 5, 2023

Would you use GraphQL for a small project?

I am working on a small project and considering using GraphQL, but I am unsure if it's the right choice.

Thom Krupa

GraphQL is a powerful query language that provides a flexible, efficient, and type-safe way to request and manipulate data. While it has many advantages, there are cases where it might not be the best fit for a small project. Here are some reasons why you might not choose GraphQL for a small project:

  1. Complexity: GraphQL introduces a new layer of complexity to your project, as it requires learning a new syntax, understanding the GraphQL schema, and setting up a GraphQL server. If your project is small and doesn't require the level of flexibility GraphQL provides, using a simpler REST API might be more suitable.
  2. Limited resources: Implementing GraphQL could take additional time and effort, particularly if your team is unfamiliar with the technology. For small projects with limited resources or tight deadlines, this additional overhead might not be worth it.
  3. Overkill for simple use cases: GraphQL shines when dealing with complex data requirements, such as fetching data from multiple sources or requesting only specific fields. If your project has simple data requirements with few endpoints and minimal data manipulation, using GraphQL might be overkill.
  4. Ecosystem and tooling: While the GraphQL ecosystem is growing, it might not yet have the same level of maturity, libraries, or tooling as other established technologies. Depending on your project's requirements, you might find that the available GraphQL tools and libraries are not sufficient or robust enough for your needs.
  5. Caching: GraphQL has different caching strategies compared to REST APIs, and it can be more complex to implement caching effectively. If your small project relies heavily on caching for performance, you might prefer to use a REST API that has more straightforward caching mechanisms.

Ultimately, whether you choose GraphQL for your small project depends on your specific use case, team familiarity, and project requirements. Carefully consider the benefits and trade-offs of using GraphQL to determine if it's the right choice for your project.

Answered by

Thom Krupa

Co-founder of Bejamas. Focuses on helping people create faster and better websites and apps. Never bet against the Web.

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