REST Is Dead: Why Your .NET API Should Move to GraphQL

this article is enough to know GraphQL

Hey superman! If you’re reading this, you’re probably wondering whether to make the jump from REST to GraphQL in your .NET applications. I’ve been working with both technologies for years, and I’m here to share everything I’ve learned — the good, the bad, and the ugly.

What We’ll Cover

• What exactly GraphQL is (in plain English)
• Setting up GraphQL in a .NET project (step-by-step)
• Real comparison with REST (with code)
• When to use (and when not to use) GraphQL
• Performance considerations that actually matter
• Migration strategy that won’t break your production

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What is GraphQL, Really?

Understanding the Basics

GraphQL is a query language for APIs that lets client-side handle what they want. Unlike REST, where the server dictates what data you get from each endpoint, GraphQL enables the client to specify exactly what data it needs.

Think of it like ordering at a restaurant — instead of getting a fixed menu (REST), you can customize your order exactly how you want it (GraphQL).

The Type System

At its core, GraphQL is built on a strong type system. Every GraphQL service defines a set of types that completely describe the data you can query.

When you set up a GraphQL API, you start by defining these types:

• Object Types: Your main data models (like User, Order, Product)
• Scalar Types: Basic data types (String, Int, Boolean, etc.)
• Input Types: Special types for arguments in mutations
• Enums: Sets of allowed values
• Interfaces: Abstract types that others can implement

once you define these types, GraphQL enforces them automatically. You can’t ask for fields that don’t exist, and you’ll always get exactly what you expect.