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APIs & Integrations

GraphQL

GraphQL is an API query language and runtime that lets clients request exactly the data fields they need.

GraphQL is an API query language and runtime that lets clients request exactly the data fields they need. Strong implementations use explicit data contracts, secure authentication, error handling, and observable operations. The concept is closely related to REST API and API.

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Headless CMS

FAQ

GraphQL

How does caching work with GraphQL?
Caching is harder than with REST because queries usually go via POST to a single endpoint while HTTP caches key on URLs. Solutions include client-side caching, persisted queries over GET, or field- and data-level caching on the server. Anyone expecting heavy traffic with identical responses should plan for this early.
What security risks does a GraphQL interface carry?
Risks arise from overly deep or expensive queries that overload servers, from exposed schema introspection, and from missing permission checks at field level. Countermeasures are authentication, per-field authorization, limits on query depth and complexity, and rate limiting. Introspection in production should be a deliberate decision.
How is GraphQL used with a headless CMS?
Many headless CMS products offer a GraphQL interface through which frontends load exactly the content fields they need, for example in a React or Next.js application. This reduces data volume and request counts. Whether GraphQL or REST is available differs by product. The choice should follow the frontend's needs.
When does GraphQL pay off compared with REST?
GraphQL pays off with many clients that have different data needs, deeply connected data, or mobile apps where every request counts. For simple, stable interfaces with few consumers, REST is usually cheaper to operate. The decision depends on team skills, tooling, and caching requirements, not on trends.
How does GraphQL differ from a REST API?
A REST API exposes fixed endpoints with predefined responses, while GraphQL usually offers a single endpoint where the client queries fields and nested relations precisely. This avoids oversized or repeated responses. In return, complexity shifts to the server: caching, access control, and query cost need their own solutions.