GraphQL vs. REST API vs. SOAP: Comparison & Benefits

APIs are a central part of modern app development. They connect systems, enable data access and form the basis for dynamic applications on the web and on mobile devices. Whether it's user information, product data, or content, almost every app accesses external or internal resources via APIs.

In this article, we compare three widely used API technologies: GraphQL vs REST vs SOAP. In doing so, we look at key aspects such as flexibility, performance, scalability and ease of use. You'll learn which query mechanisms each approach uses, how many endpoints must be managed, how a schema is structured, and what is important when creating and integrating. This overview helps developers choose the right technology for their requirements and build a sustainable architecture.

What is GraphQL? Basics of modern GraphQL APIs

GraphQL is a query language for APIs and a runtime environment for executing these queries. It was developed by Facebook in 2012 to better cope with the growing requirements for data structures and interfaces. Since its release as an open-source project in 2015, GraphQL is increasingly being used as an alternative to classic REST APIs.

GraphQL offers a particularly flexible structure for complex applications in which dynamic data plays a central role. Typical areas of application include social media platforms, real-time applications or interactive dashboards. In such projects, users benefit from fast loading times and accurate data. GraphQL queries make it possible to retrieve exactly the information that an application needs — nothing more, nothing less. This reduces the amount of data, saves resources and makes communication between client and server efficient. These features make GraphQL a powerful option for modern interfaces, particularly when it comes to managing complex data models.

What is REST? Architecture and use of REST APIs

REST stands for Representational State Transfer and describes an architectural style for web services that is based on stateless communication between client and server. The concept was developed in 2000 as part of Roy Fielding's dissertation. Since then, the RESTful API has established itself as a widely used standard in modern web and app development.

A REST API uses HTTP methods such as GET, POST, PUT, or DELETE to implement typical CRUD operations. Each resource is addressed via its own URL, creating multiple endpoints, each representing specific data or actions.

The strength of RESTful APIs lies in their clear structure and easy implementation. Many companies like Shopify rely on this architecture because it is well suited for classic applications, such as e-commerce platforms, blog systems, or mobile services with manageable requirements. If you don't need a single query for complex structures, REST is an efficient and robust solution.

What is SOAP? Structured API communication using XML

SOAP stands for Simple Object Access Protocol and is a protocol for exchanging structured information over the Internet. It uses XML-based message formats to transfer data between systems. SOAP was developed in the late 1990s, particularly by Microsoft, to create a reliable standard for data exchange.

Compared to modern interfaces such as REST or GraphQL, SOAP is based on a highly standardized set of rules. This structure makes the protocol particularly suitable for applications that focus on security, transaction management, or compliance requirements. REST API vs SOAP is often discussed where robust security policies need to be implemented, such as in banking or government applications.

One advantage of SOAP is that it allows you to request exactly the data you need via defined operations. Even in very complex systems, communication remains structured and controllable. Older corporate systems or legacy applications in particular therefore continue to rely on SOAP as a proven solution.

GraphQL and REST vs. SOAP: A comparison with advantages and disadvantages

In many digital projects, choosing the appropriate API technology is a decisive step towards a stable and powerful architecture. If you want to implement a suitable interface, you are often faced with the choice between GraphQL, RESTful API and SOAP. In this section, the key features of these technologies are analyzed in order to better assess their respective strengths and weaknesses.

Flexibility and data retrieval

GraphQL makes it possible to retrieve exactly the data required for a specific component in a single request. This prevents overfetching and underfetching. The advantage of GraphQL is that even nested data structures can be processed efficiently. This approach is particularly useful for APIs in complex applications.

REST uses fixed endpoints with predefined returns. Unlike REST, GraphQL is more flexible, delivers more targeted results, and reduces unnecessary traffic. Yet the RESTful API is widely used due to its simplicity.

SOAP uses fixed structures and responses, similar to REST, but in a rigid XML-based format. The main difference between GraphQL and REST API as well as SOAP is how the query is structured and the handling of dynamic content

Performance and efficiency

GraphQL solves many efficiency problems of classic interfaces. Targeted queries avoid more data traffic, which has a positive effect on load times and network utilization. This is a significant advantage, particularly with mobile apps.

REST, on the other hand, can become inefficient when large amounts of data need to be queried. That's because multiple endpoints are addressed to get all the information. Both GraphQL and REST can be used efficiently through suitable strategies, but require different approaches.

SOAP has higher overhead due to XML. Processing structured messages results in longer load times. In a direct comparison, REST vs SOAP shows that REST is often more resource-efficient.

scalability

REST and GraphQL both offer good options for scaling. GraphQL uses dynamic queries that can be tailored very efficiently to the needs of individual clients. As load increases, this can help to distribute resources in a targeted manner.

REST APIs are highly scalable when caching, load balancing, or API gateways are integrated. The clear separation of resources makes it easy to deploy new features and expand existing ones.

SOAP is known for its stability in the enterprise sector, but has certain scalability disadvantages due to message overhead and rigid structures.

surety

GraphQL has no built-in security features, but can be easily combined with existing authentication methods such as OAuth or JWT. Sensitive data can be secured through targeted access control.

REST also relies on external safety standards. Communication often takes place via HTTPS and can be secured by token authentication. A secure implementation is possible but requires careful planning.

In comparison, SOAP APIs offer a more comprehensive security package. With WS-Security, standards such as encryption and digital signatures are available. This makes SOAP particularly suitable for applications with strict requirements.

error handling

GraphQL returns error messages directly in the response structure. This makes it easier to specifically understand problems in the GraphQL playground or during development.

REST APIs use standardized HTTP codes such as 200, 404, or 500. This method is widely used but provides less information about the exact cause of the error compared to GraphQL.

SOAP uses structured SOAP faults to communicate errors. These are comprehensively documented, but appear more complex and difficult to access than REST or GraphQL.

Documentation and usability

GraphQL provides automatic self-documentation through Introspection. Developers can explore the API, test queries, and retrieve data right in the GraphQL Playground. This makes getting started intuitive and saves time when creating classic documentation.

REST requires its own documentation, which is usually created using Swagger or OpenAPI. This provides a lot of flexibility, but requires additional maintenance to reflect all changes.

SOAP uses WSDL (Web Services Description Language), an XML-based description of the functions. This can be difficult to interpret without appropriate previous knowledge. When comparing SOAP API vs REST API, it is often noticeable that REST scores significantly better in terms of developer friendliness.

When should you use GraphQL, REST or SOAP with the right tools?

The choice between GraphQL, REST or SOAP depends heavily on the specific use case. Each of these API models has specific strengths and weaknesses, which vary depending on the project requirements.

GraphQL APIs are particularly suitable for data-driven applications that require efficiency and flexibility when querying data. For example, anyone who wants to combine data from different sources benefits from the option of having exactly the requested data returned in a single query. GraphQL, on the other hand, requires a clean definition of the schema and a well-thought-out access concept on the server side. Depending on the complexity of the project, this can be more complex. The advantages and disadvantages of GraphQL should therefore be carefully considered in advance.

REST APIs are a good choice for classic CRUD applications that regularly use standard methods such as PUT and DELETE. They are suitable for many web projects, such as online shops or blogs. REST has broad support in tools and frameworks and is often quickly implemented due to its simplicity. The choice between GraphQL and REST depends on whether a flexible data structure is required or a clear separation of resources is paramount.

SOAP is particularly relevant in companies that rely on transaction security, complex standards and strict protocols. Especially in the financial sector, healthcare or insurance, SOAP vs REST API is frequently discussed when it comes to reliability and standardized communication. Although SOAP is less flexible, it ensures a high level of security and stability through defined processes and XML-based communication.

Why GraphQL, REST or SOAP should be used therefore always results from the combination of project goal, complexity and existing system landscape. Anyone who knows the disadvantages of GraphQL can specifically compensate for them by making appropriate architectural decisions. Tools for development, analysis, and documentation are available for all three technologies.

Conclusion: API selection between GraphQL and REST in the project context

The decision between GraphQL API, REST API, or SOAP depends heavily on the goals and requirements of a project. While SOAP impresses with fixed standards and protocols, REST offers a proven structure for simple applications. SOAP API vs REST API is a frequent consideration in projects with special security requirements or an existing system landscape.

GraphQL and REST APIs differ particularly in their flexibility. Anyone planning dynamic applications with complex data structures benefits from the advantages of GraphQL over REST, especially when specific data needs to be requested. However, for simple systems with clearly defined resources, REST can be the easier choice.

The use of GraphQL is particularly suitable when developers need an interface that can be flexibly adapted to changing front-end requirements. If you want to create modern APIs, you should therefore analyze exactly which technology is best suited to the project in the long term.

If you want to find out which API architecture is ideal for your project, talk to the KNGURU team. We help you make the right choice for your project and implement the right solution professionally.