Perplexity MCP Server

PERPLEXITY MEDIUM TOOL TEST RESULTS ============================================================ Timestamp: 2025-07-12T16:18:01.778957 Test Type: medium Query: Explain the differences between REST and GraphQL APIs ============================================================ RAW API RESPONSE: ------------------------------ { "id": "4ba263c1-30d6-4d72-9ea4-13f7c3508a0e", "model": "sonar-reasoning-pro", "created": 1752317281, "usage": { "prompt_tokens": 9, "completion_tokens": 1799, "total_tokens": 1808, "search_context_size": "medium" }, "citations": [ "https://blog.postman.com/graphql-vs-rest/", "https://hygraph.com/blog/graphql-vs-rest-apis", "https://www.ibm.com/think/topics/graphql-vs-rest-api", "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PTfZcN20fro", "https://amplication.com/blog/7-key-differences-between-graphql-and-rest-apis", "https://www.howtographql.com/basics/1-graphql-is-the-better-rest/" ], "search_results": [ { "title": "GraphQL vs. REST - Postman Blog", "url": "https://blog.postman.com/graphql-vs-rest/", "date": "2023-12-07", "last_updated": "2025-06-15" }, { "title": "GraphQL Vs. REST APIs: A complete comparison - Hygraph", "url": "https://hygraph.com/blog/graphql-vs-rest-apis", "date": "2024-08-01", "last_updated": "2025-06-16" }, { "title": "GraphQL vs REST: What's the Difference? - IBM", "url": "https://www.ibm.com/think/topics/graphql-vs-rest-api", "date": "2024-03-29", "last_updated": "2025-06-16" }, { "title": "GraphQL vs REST: Which is Better for APIs? - YouTube", "url": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PTfZcN20fro", "date": "2023-04-07", "last_updated": "2025-07-05" }, { "title": "7 Key Differences Between GraphQL and REST APIs - Amplication", "url": "https://amplication.com/blog/7-key-differences-between-graphql-and-rest-apis", "date": "2024-10-27", "last_updated": "2024-10-29" }, { "title": "GraphQL vs REST - A comparison", "url": "https://www.howtographql.com/basics/1-graphql-is-the-better-rest/", "date": null, "last_updated": "2025-06-16" } ], "object": "chat.completion", "choices": [ { "index": 0, "finish_reason": "stop", "message": { "role": "assistant", "content": "<think>\nWe are given a query: \"Explain the differences between REST and GraphQL APIs\"\n We have multiple search results that discuss the differences between REST and GraphQL.\n We are to write a detailed, structured, and well-formatted answer using the provided search results.\n\n Steps:\n 1. Identify the key differences from the search results.\n 2. Organize the differences in a clear manner, possibly using a table for comparison if appropriate.\n 3. Follow the format rules: start with a summary, then use level 2 headers for sections, and cite sources appropriately.\n\n Important differences from the sources:\n\n [1]:\n - REST uses multiple endpoints, GraphQL uses a single endpoint.\n - REST uses standard HTTP methods, GraphQL uses queries and mutations.\n - GraphQL enforces a schema, REST does not (though it can be used with OpenAPI).\n - GraphQL always returns 200 for HTTP status, while REST uses various status codes.\n\n [2]:\n - Core difference: GraphQL is a query language and specification, REST is an architectural style.\n - GraphQL allows clients to request exactly what they need (no over-fetching or under-fetching).\n\n [3]:\n - REST can lead to over-fetching (client gets more data than needed) or under-fetching (multiple requests needed).\n - GraphQL solves over/under-fetching by allowing clients to specify the exact data in a single request.\n\n [4] (video transcript):\n - GraphQL fetches all required data in a single request, while REST might require multiple requests for related data.\n\n [5]:\n - Response formats: REST is flexible, GraphQL is stricter (must support certain types and field ordering).\n - HTTP focus: REST uses multiple endpoints and HTTP verbs, GraphQL typically uses one endpoint (POST) and is protocol-agnostic.\n\n [6]:\n - GraphQL avoids over-fetching and under-fetching by letting the client define the response structure.\n\n Let's structure the answer:\n\n Introduction: Briefly state that REST and GraphQL are both used for building APIs but differ in design and usage.\n\n Then, we can create a section for each major difference or group them.\n\n Alternatively, we can use a table to compare the differences side by side for clarity.\n\n However, note the format rules: \n - We can use a table for comparisons (vs) to improve readability.\n\n We'll create a table with the following columns: Feature, REST, GraphQL.\n\n Features to cover (from the sources):\n - Architectural style: REST is an architectural style, GraphQL is a specification/query language.\n - Endpoints: REST has multiple endpoints, GraphQL has a single endpoint.\n - Data fetching: REST can lead to over/under-fetching, GraphQL allows precise queries.\n - Schema: GraphQL enforces a schema, REST does not (but can be added via OpenAPI).\n - HTTP methods: REST uses standard HTTP methods (GET, POST, etc.), GraphQL typically uses POST for all operations.\n - HTTP status codes: REST uses standard HTTP status codes, GraphQL typically returns 200 for all responses and puts errors in the response body.\n - Flexibility: REST is more flexible in response format, GraphQL is stricter.\n\n We can also have a section on when to use each.\n\n Let's plan the sections:\n - Introduction\n - Comparison Table (for the key differences)\n - Detailed Explanations (if needed, but the table might suffice)\n - When to Use REST vs GraphQL (if the sources provide guidance)\n\n Sources do provide some guidance (e.g., [3] says GraphQL is often an upgrade from REST, [4] says both have their place).\n\n We'll include a section on use cases.\n\n Now, we write the answer accordingly.\n\n Important: Cite the sources appropriately.\n\n Example table:\n\n | Feature | REST | GraphQL |\n |------------------|-------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------|\n | Architectural Style | Architectural style (stateless, client-server) | Query language and specification |\n | Endpoints | Multiple endpoints (one per resource) | Single endpoint (usually /graphql) |\n | Data Fetching | Fixed data structures per endpoint, leading to over/under-fetching | Clients specify exact data requirements, avoiding over/under-fetching |\n | Schema | Not enforced (optional via OpenAPI) | Enforced schema (strongly typed) |\n | HTTP Methods | Uses standard HTTP methods (GET, POST, etc.) | Typically uses POST for all requests (or GET for queries) |\n | HTTP Status Codes| Uses standard HTTP status codes | Typically returns 200 OK for all responses, with errors in the response body |\n | Response Format | Flexible (JSON, XML, etc.) | Stricter (must support GraphQL types and field ordering) |\n\n But note: the table might be too wide. Alternatively, we can list the differences in a list and then use a table for a subset.\n\n However, the instructions say: \"When comparing things (vs), format the comparison as a Markdown table instead of a list.\"\n\n We'll use a table for the main differences.\n\n We must also note that the table is based on the search results and we must cite appropriately.\n\n Let's write the answer.\n</think>\nREST and GraphQL are both widely used for building web APIs, but they differ fundamentally in design philosophy, data handling, and implementation. REST follows an architectural style centered around resources and HTTP methods, while GraphQL operates as a query language and specification for declarative data fetching. Below is a comparison of their key differences:\n\n### Core Architecture\n| **Feature** | **REST** | **GraphQL** |\n|-------------------|-----------------------------------|---------------------------------|\n| **Design** | Architectural style using HTTP | Query language specification[2] |\n| **Endpoints** | Multiple resource-specific URLs | Single endpoint (e.g., `/graphql`)[1][5] |\n| **HTTP Methods** | Uses GET, POST, PUT, DELETE[1] | Primarily POST (or GET for queries)[5] |\n| **Schema** | Optional (via OpenAPI/AsyncAPI)[1] | Enforced, strongly typed schema[1][5] |\n\n### Data Handling\n- **Over-fetching/Under-fetching**: \n REST APIs often return fixed data structures, leading to **over-fetching** (unused data) or **under-fetching** (multiple requests needed)[3][6]. GraphQL eliminates this by letting clients request **exact fields** in a single query[2][6]. \n Example: \n - REST: `GET /user/123` returns all user data (email, address, etc.), even if only the name is needed[6]. \n - GraphQL: Query specifies `{ user(id:123) { name } }`[2].\n\n- **Responses**: \n REST uses standard HTTP status codes (e.g., 404, 500)[1][5], while GraphQL typically returns `200 OK` for all responses, embedding errors in the response body[1][5].\n\n### Development Flexibility\n- **Versioning**: \n REST requires versioned endpoints (e.g., `/v1/users`), whereas GraphQL evolves via schema updates without breaking changes[2][5]. \n- **Type Safety**: \n GraphQL’s schema provides built-in validation and documentation[2][5], while REST relies on external specs like OpenAPI[1]. \n- **Protocol Agnosticism**: \n REST is HTTP-centric, while GraphQL can use any transport layer (HTTP, WebSockets, etc.)[5].\n\n### Performance\n- **Network Requests**: \n Fetching nested resources (e.g., user + posts) in REST requires multiple calls (N+1 problem)[6]. GraphQL retrieves nested data in **one request**[4][6]. \n- **Caching**: \n REST leverages HTTP caching (e.g., ETag), while GraphQL needs custom solutions due to single-POST usage[5].\n\n### Use Cases\n- **REST**: Best for simple CRUD operations, public APIs, and projects needing HTTP caching[4][5]. \n- **GraphQL**: Ideal for complex UIs (e.g., dashboards), mobile apps with limited bandwidth, and teams prioritizing rapid frontend iteration[2][3][6].\n\nFor existing REST systems, GraphQL can be layered atop to enhance flexibility without a full rewrite[3][5]. Both technologies remain relevant, with GraphQL excelling in precision and efficiency for evolving applications[3][6]." }, "delta": { "role": "assistant", "content": "" } } ] } FORMATTED RESPONSE: ------------------------------ { "content": "REST and GraphQL are both widely used for building web APIs, but they differ fundamentally in design philosophy, data handling, and implementation. REST follows an architectural style centered around resources and HTTP methods, while GraphQL operates as a query language and specification for declarative data fetching. Below is a comparison of their key differences:\n\n### Core Architecture\n| **Feature** | **REST** | **GraphQL** |\n|-------------------|-----------------------------------|---------------------------------|\n| **Design** | Architectural style using HTTP | Query language specification[2] |\n| **Endpoints** | Multiple resource-specific URLs | Single endpoint (e.g., `/graphql`)[1][5] |\n| **HTTP Methods** | Uses GET, POST, PUT, DELETE[1] | Primarily POST (or GET for queries)[5] |\n| **Schema** | Optional (via OpenAPI/AsyncAPI)[1] | Enforced, strongly typed schema[1][5] |\n\n### Data Handling\n- **Over-fetching/Under-fetching**: \n REST APIs often return fixed data structures, leading to **over-fetching** (unused data) or **under-fetching** (multiple requests needed)[3][6]. GraphQL eliminates this by letting clients request **exact fields** in a single query[2][6]. \n Example: \n - REST: `GET /user/123` returns all user data (email, address, etc.), even if only the name is needed[6]. \n - GraphQL: Query specifies `{ user(id:123) { name } }`[2].\n\n- **Responses**: \n REST uses standard HTTP status codes (e.g., 404, 500)[1][5], while GraphQL typically returns `200 OK` for all responses, embedding errors in the response body[1][5].\n\n### Development Flexibility\n- **Versioning**: \n REST requires versioned endpoints (e.g., `/v1/users`), whereas GraphQL evolves via schema updates without breaking changes[2][5]. \n- **Type Safety**: \n GraphQL’s schema provides built-in validation and documentation[2][5], while REST relies on external specs like OpenAPI[1]. \n- **Protocol Agnosticism**: \n REST is HTTP-centric, while GraphQL can use any transport layer (HTTP, WebSockets, etc.)[5].\n\n### Performance\n- **Network Requests**: \n Fetching nested resources (e.g., user + posts) in REST requires multiple calls (N+1 problem)[6]. GraphQL retrieves nested data in **one request**[4][6]. \n- **Caching**: \n REST leverages HTTP caching (e.g., ETag), while GraphQL needs custom solutions due to single-POST usage[5].\n\n### Use Cases\n- **REST**: Best for simple CRUD operations, public APIs, and projects needing HTTP caching[4][5]. \n- **GraphQL**: Ideal for complex UIs (e.g., dashboards), mobile apps with limited bandwidth, and teams prioritizing rapid frontend iteration[2][3][6].\n\nFor existing REST systems, GraphQL can be layered atop to enhance flexibility without a full rewrite[3][5]. Both technologies remain relevant, with GraphQL excelling in precision and efficiency for evolving applications[3][6].", "citations": [ "https://blog.postman.com/graphql-vs-rest/", "https://hygraph.com/blog/graphql-vs-rest-apis", "https://www.ibm.com/think/topics/graphql-vs-rest-api", "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PTfZcN20fro", "https://amplication.com/blog/7-key-differences-between-graphql-and-rest-apis", "https://www.howtographql.com/basics/1-graphql-is-the-better-rest/" ] } ANALYSIS: ------------------------------ Content length: 2914 characters Citations count: 6 Model used: sonar-reasoning-pro Total tokens: 1808