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World Congress 2024 • Aug 20, 2024 • Session details

GraphQL: Does it replace SQL, REST or Something Else?

Gregor Bauer

GraphQL doesn't replace SQL. It solves REST's over-fetching problem through precise schema contracts. Learn when to use it and when standard HTTP remains structurally superior.

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#1 about 2 min

History and fundamentals of relational data querying

How foundational algebra and tables established data management standards over fifty years ago.

#2 about 2 min

Evolution of API interfaces toward declarative data fetching

Why the software industry transitioned from XML and SOAP to REST and eventually GraphQL.

#3 about 3 min

Defining outcomes with GraphQL schemas and declarative queries

Using clear typing schemas and flexible query definitions to dictate exact structural responses.

#4 about 3 min

Adapting relational querying principles for modern JSON documents

How the SQL++ standard ports traditional select statements directly to object-oriented document architectures.

#5 about 1 min

Combining relational capabilities and document stores using Couchbase

Unifying rigorous structured query logic with flexible runtime data storage features.

#6 about 2 min

Evaluating REST interfaces and over-fetching limitations for clients

Understanding the core performance tradeoffs of standard HTTP endpoints when managing excessive unneeded payloads.

#7 about 3 min

Comparing endpoint response payloads across different API patterns

A practical exploration showing how tailored system queries reduce heavy network overhead compared to rigid outputs.

#8 about 4 min

Choosing the right interface protocol based on architecture demands

Matching strict schemas, fundamental rigid datasets, or basic lightweight endpoint definitions to respective project complexities.

#9 about 3 min

Mitigating security risks and expensive computational joins in GraphQL

Preventing systemic database overload conditions by carefully restricting logic within explicit schema data resolvers.

#10 about 1 min

Handling binary file downloads through appropriate architectural layers

Recognizing exactly when to abandon specialized syntax tools and fall back on core HTTP standards.

#11 about 2 min

Managing breaking changes and schema versioning for client applications

Leveraging self-documenting data contracts logically to handle missing properties without relying on purely silent runtime failures.

#12 about 1 min

Generating backend service architecture directly from schema definitions

Why strictly writing manual internal resolution code typically establishes superior overall system security mechanisms.

#13 about 2 min

Establishing frontend and backend contracts using shared structural definitions

Bridging broad communication gaps successfully dividing diverse functional engineering silos using exact binding schemas.

#14 about 1 min

Implementing conditional retrieval logic to process minimal data subsets

Mapping client parameter instructions dynamically down to core structured storage query definitions tightly and securely.

#15 about 2 min

Assessing the long-term viability of various integration technologies

Why underlying query patterns and classic software standards will remain essential infrastructure elements inside mature organizations.

#16 about 3 min

Benchmarking network payload performance across respective architectural patterns

How limiting arbitrary response payload strings tangibly boosts scale and fully mitigates primary application pipeline bottlenecks.

Matching moments

56 sec

Comparing GraphQL capabilities against the JSON API standard

Alen Pokos · LIVE

4:00 min

Defining data requirements using GraphQL schema and queries

Josh Goldberg · JS Congress

2:46 min

Addressing data query flexibility with GraphQL

Simon Auer Simon Auer · WWC 2025

5:00 min

Approaches to building a GraphQL API layer

William Lyon · LIVE

2:01 min

Exploring alternative data retrieval methods beyond standard REST patterns

Rustam Mehmandarov Rustam Mehmandarov · WWC 2025

6:50 min

Evaluating graphql implementation and legacy migration strategies

Nachiket Apte · LIVE

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