Many companies use both REST and GraphQL. Understanding both makes you more versatile as a developer. This project shows you when to use each approach.
GraphQL lets clients request exactly the data they need, which can reduce network traffic and make apps faster. However, REST is simpler and often better for straightforward APIs. Knowing both gives you options.
You'll learn about API performance - caching, rate limiting, and preventing N+1 queries. These are production concerns that every API developer needs to understand.
GraphQL is becoming popular alongside REST. Understanding both makes you more versatile. Some companies use REST, some use GraphQL, many use both.
This project teaches you the differences. REST has multiple endpoints, GraphQL has one. REST can over-fetch data, GraphQL lets clients request exactly what they need. Learning both helps you choose the right tool.
You'll also learn caching and rate limiting, which are important for any API. These protect your server from being overwhelmed and make responses faster.
Build a service that exposes both REST and GraphQL endpoints for the same data, implementing proper caching, rate limiting, and API documentation. This project teaches you the differences between these API paradigms and when to use each approach.
REST endpoints for basic CRUD operations
GraphQL endpoint with queries and mutations
Shared business logic layer used by both
Redis caching for frequently accessed data
Rate limiting (100 requests per 15 minutes)
API documentation using Swagger/OpenAPI
GraphQL Playground for testing
Authentication works with both API types
Error handling consistent across both
Build a blog system with Posts, Comments, Users, and Tags
Posts have many Comments and Tags
Users create Posts and Comments
Implement filtering, pagination, and searching
Understand REST vs GraphQL tradeoffs
Implement N+1 query solutions
Build efficient caching strategies
Design reusable service layers
Implement rate limiting
Document APIs professionally
Use DataLoader to solve N+1 query problem in GraphQL
Implement Redis caching with proper invalidation
Create service layer that both REST and GraphQL use
Handle authentication in GraphQL context
Implement field-level authorization in GraphQL
Set up rate limiting with express-rate-limit
Generate OpenAPI documentation from code
GraphQL Basics: graphql.org has a great introduction. Understand queries, mutations, and schemas.
Apollo Server: Apollo Server docs show how to build GraphQL APIs with Node.js.
DataLoader: Learn about DataLoader to solve the N+1 query problem in GraphQL.
Redis Caching: Redis docs show basic caching patterns. It's simple - set and get with expiration.
Rate Limiting: Look up "express-rate-limit" for protecting your API.
API Documentation: Swagger/OpenAPI docs for documenting REST APIs automatically.
GraphQL Basics: graphql.org has an introduction and tutorials. Start with "Learn GraphQL".
Apollo Server: Apollo Server docs show how to build GraphQL APIs with Node.js.
DataLoader: Look up DataLoader on GitHub. It solves the N+1 query problem.
Redis: Redis documentation for caching. Learn SET, GET, and EXPIRE commands.
Rate Limiting: Search for "express-rate-limit" npm package.
REST vs GraphQL: Search for comparison articles to understand tradeoffs.
Both APIs return same data correctly
Cached responses return in under 50ms
Rate limiting blocks excessive requests
Documentation is complete and accurate
No N+1 queries in GraphQL
Cache invalidates when data changes
Hint: Build the REST API first, then add GraphQL on top. Extract shared logic into service functions that both can call. This prevents code duplication and makes maintenance easier.
Submit Your Project
Once you've completed this project, submit your GitHub repository link below: