GraphQL is a query language for APIs designed to simplify data fetching from multiple sources. Originally developed by Facebook in 2012 and publicly released in 2015, GraphQL has since become an open-source project under the GraphQL Foundation, hosted by the Linux Foundation. It allows clients to request specific data, preventing over-fetching or under-fetching, which can lead to more efficient data retrieval and reduced network overhead compared to traditional REST APIs. GraphQL uses a strongly typed schema to define available data and operations, ensuring predictable and structured data exchange between client and server.
Key features of GraphQL include declarative data fetching, real-time updates with subscriptions, and introspection capabilities. Instead of relying on multiple endpoints, GraphQL enables clients to request exactly what they need in a single API call. While GraphQL itself is free and open source, some platforms and tools built around it offer commercial pricing plans. For example, Apollo GraphQL's annual cost averages around $57,000, but can reach up to $175,000. AWS AppSync charges $4.00 per million query and data modification operations. Apollo also has a pricing plan starting at $5 per million requests. GraphQL is currently utilized across various industries for mobile and web applications.
