GraphQL vs hapi: What are the differences?

Introduction

In this Markdown code, we will be discussing the key differences between GraphQL and hapi.

1. Implementation: GraphQL is a query language for APIs and a runtime for executing queries with existing data while hapi is a free and open-source web application framework for building scalable web applications, APIs, and services in Node.js. GraphQL focuses on data querying while hapi provides a complete framework for building web applications.

2. Data Fetching: GraphQL allows clients to request specific data by making a single request to the server, reducing the data over-fetching and under-fetching issues. On the other hand, hapi follows a traditional RESTful API approach where clients need to make multiple requests to different endpoints to fetch the required data.

3. Schema Definition: GraphQL requires defining a schema that represents the data structure and how it can be queried by clients. This schema acts as a contract between the client and server. In hapi, the data structure and endpoints can be defined using the framework's routing configuration, without the need for a specific schema definition.

4. Type System: GraphQL has its own type system, which provides strong typing and allows defining custom types and relationships between them. This enables better validation and documentation of the API. Hapi, on the other hand, does not have a built-in type system and allows developers to define their own validation rules and data structures.

5. Performance: GraphQL optimizes performance by allowing clients to request only the required data and avoids over-fetching or under-fetching. Hapi, being a more traditional framework, might face performance issues if not carefully designed to handle data fetching efficiently.

6. Flexibility: GraphQL provides a high level of flexibility as clients can request exactly what they need, allowing the server to evolve and change without impacting the clients. Hapi, as a web application framework, provides flexibility in terms of building different types of applications but may need modifications in the server and client endpoints when making changes to the data structure or API.

In summary, GraphQL focuses on data querying, provides a strong type system, optimizes performance, and offers flexibility in data fetching, while hapi is a complete web application framework providing flexibility in application building and data handling but follows a more traditional RESTful API approach.