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Interview Question
Compare GraphQL and REST APIs in terms of flexibility, performance, and trade-offs.
Key Points to Cover
- GraphQL: flexible queries, fewer round trips, risk of overfetching server
- REST: simplicity, caching, standardized methods
- Trade-offs in complexity, tooling, performance optimization
- Use GraphQL for dynamic clients; REST for simpler services
Evaluation Rubric
Explains GraphQL strengths/weaknesses30% weight
Explains REST strengths/weaknesses30% weight
Compares trade-offs effectively20% weight
Provides context-based recommendations20% weight
Hints
- 💡N+1 queries, caching differences.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- ⚠️Not clearly articulating the specific use case driving the choice between GraphQL and REST.
- ⚠️Underestimating the server-side complexity of implementing GraphQL, especially with large or intricate schemas.
- ⚠️Failing to consider the impact of GraphQL queries on server performance and implementing proper query analysis and rate limiting.
- ⚠️Overlooking the well-established benefits of REST's caching mechanisms and their integration with existing infrastructure.
- ⚠️Assuming one technology is universally 'better' without a thorough understanding of the trade-offs and their implications for the project.
Potential Follow-up Questions
- ❓How would you cache GraphQL queries?
- ❓What about versioning?
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