REST vs GraphQL: How to Choose the Right API Design for Your Project

A developer with hands-on experience building APIs using both REST and GraphQL has outlined the practical trade-offs between the two approaches. REST remains the preferred default for public APIs due to its simplicity, predictable caching, and mature tooling like OpenAPI and Postman. GraphQL excels in scenarios involving mobile apps, complex nested data, or multiple client types requiring different data shapes, but introduces added complexity around schema management, caching, and the N+1 query problem. The author recommends starting with REST unless there is a clear need for GraphQL's flexibility, and suggests a hybrid approach — using REST for simple CRUD operations and GraphQL only where it adds measurable value. The core advice is to evaluate actual use cases rather than follow industry hype when selecting an API strategy.