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Technical Vocabularyabbreviation · /ˈɡræf kjuːˈɛl/

GraphQL

In simple English

GraphQL was developed by Facebook and has become a popular alternative to REST APIs in modern web development. Unlike REST, where endpoints return fixed data structures, GraphQL lets clients specify their exact data requirements in a single request. This reduces over-fetching (getting unnecessary data) and under-fetching (making multiple requests). In tech companies, teams use GraphQL for building flexible APIs that serve multiple client applications, such as web frontends, mobile apps, and third-party integrations. Common use cases include managing microservices, creating real-time applications, and building APIs that serve diverse client needs with varying data requirements.

What is GraphQL and how does it differ from REST APIs in modern backend development?

At a glanceCEFR C1
Commonness4/5
Versatility4/5
FormalityCasualFormalNeutral
Spoken ↔ WrittenSpokenWrittenBoth
Directness ↔ DiplomaticDirectDiplomaticDirect
RegionUS and UK
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Say it like this

✓Let us build a GraphQL API for this project.
✓Our backend is running GraphQL queries efficiently.
✓We switched to GraphQL to improve API performance.

Real examples

in a standup

"We finished the GraphQL schema for the user service yesterday and started integration testing."

in a code review

"This GraphQL mutation should validate the email before updating the user record."

in a team meeting

"Switching to GraphQL reduced our frontend API calls by 40 percent, which improved page load times significantly."

Don't say this

Handle with care. GraphQL is not a programming language or database; it is a query language and API specification. Do not confuse it with REST or treat it as a replacement for all backend architecture decisions.

✕We use GraphQL instead of a database.
✓We use GraphQL as a query language for our API layer, which connects to our database.— GraphQL is an API specification, not a database. It is a layer between clients and data sources.
✕GraphQL replaced our backend entirely.
✓We implemented GraphQL to handle our API requests more efficiently.— GraphQL is a communication protocol; it works alongside backend infrastructure, not as a complete replacement.
✕Everybody prefers GraphQL over REST.
✓GraphQL is advantageous for certain use cases, while REST remains suitable for others depending on project needs.— Neither technology is universally superior; the choice depends on specific requirements, team expertise, and project complexity.

Other forms

noun

GraphQL

"GraphQL is the API technology we selected for our new microservice."

adjective

GraphQL

"Our GraphQL endpoint handles all client data requests."

Often used with

GraphQL APIThe most common phrase; refers to an API built using GraphQL specification
GraphQL queryA request made to a GraphQL API specifying exactly which fields to return
GraphQL mutationA GraphQL operation that modifies data on the server, similar to POST or PUT in REST
GraphQL schemaThe definition of all types, queries, and mutations available in a GraphQL API
GraphQL resolverA function that fetches or computes the value for a specific field in a GraphQL response

Similar words

query languageA general term; GraphQL is a specific query language for APIs
API specificationGraphQL is one type of API specification; REST is another with different design principles

Opposites

REST APISOAP

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Practice

Try it

4 quick exercises

Pick the most natural phrasing

1. Your team needs to decide on an API technology. What do you say?

Complete the sentence

2. Our _______ allows clients to fetch exactly the data they need with a single request.

Spot the mistake

3. Which sentence uses GraphQL incorrectly?

Rewrite naturally

4. Rewrite this in natural tech English: 'We are going to use the thing that lets you ask for only the fields you need in API calls, not all the fields, and it is called the query language for APIs.'

Questions

Quick poll

Have you said "graphql" in a standup this week?

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