GraphQL

What is it?

GraphQL is an API query language originally developed by Facebook and released as open source in 2015. Unlike REST, it exposes a single endpoint with a strongly typed schema that defines all available data and operations.

What does it do?

GraphQL allows clients to specify precisely which fields they want, reducing over-fetching and under-fetching of data. It supports queries, mutations, and subscriptions, enabling real-time updates and efficient API interactions.

Where is it used?

GraphQL is widely used in modern web and mobile applications, SaaS platforms, microservice-based systems, and frontend-heavy products where flexible data access and performance are critical.

When & why it emerged

GraphQL emerged to solve limitations of REST APIs in complex client environments. It was designed to improve frontend agility, reduce network usage, and simplify API evolution without breaking existing clients.

Why we use it at Internative

We use GraphQL to build flexible and scalable APIs that adapt to evolving frontend needs. Its strong typing and introspection capabilities help us design maintainable API contracts and improve developer experience.