apollo-server-express vs graphql-yoga vs @nestjs/apollo vs express-graphql
GraphQL Server Libraries Comparison
3 Years
apollo-server-expressgraphql-yoga@nestjs/apolloexpress-graphql
What's GraphQL Server Libraries?

GraphQL server libraries are essential tools for building GraphQL APIs, providing the necessary infrastructure to define schemas, handle queries, and manage data fetching. They facilitate the implementation of GraphQL's flexible query language, allowing clients to request only the data they need. Each library offers unique features and integrations, catering to different frameworks and use cases, making it easier for developers to create efficient and scalable APIs.

Package Weekly Downloads Trend
Github Stars Ranking
Stat Detail
Package
Downloads
Stars
Size
Issues
Publish
License
apollo-server-express676,067
13,90527.6 kB662 years agoMIT
graphql-yoga537,549
8,409285 kB166a month agoMIT
@nestjs/apollo483,317
1,50859.1 kB654 months agoMIT
express-graphql262,355
6,298-555 years agoMIT
Feature Comparison: apollo-server-express vs graphql-yoga vs @nestjs/apollo vs express-graphql

Integration

  • apollo-server-express:

    apollo-server-express easily integrates with existing Express applications, allowing developers to add GraphQL capabilities with minimal configuration and leverage Express middleware for additional functionality.

  • graphql-yoga:

    graphql-yoga is built on top of Express and integrates well with various frameworks. It provides a simple setup process and includes features like subscriptions and file uploads out of the box, making it a versatile choice.

  • @nestjs/apollo:

    @nestjs/apollo provides seamless integration with the NestJS framework, allowing developers to utilize Nest's powerful features like dependency injection and modular architecture, making it easier to manage complex applications.

  • express-graphql:

    express-graphql is designed to work directly with Express, providing a simple way to set up a GraphQL endpoint without any additional dependencies. It is straightforward and requires minimal setup, making it ideal for quick implementations.

Features

  • apollo-server-express:

    apollo-server-express includes features like automatic persisted queries, built-in support for GraphQL subscriptions, and customizable error handling, providing a robust solution for building production-ready GraphQL APIs.

  • graphql-yoga:

    graphql-yoga comes with a rich set of features including built-in GraphQL playground, subscriptions, file uploads, and easy configuration for CORS and security, making it a comprehensive solution for rapid application development.

  • @nestjs/apollo:

    @nestjs/apollo offers advanced features like schema-first development, built-in support for GraphQL subscriptions, and easy integration with other NestJS modules, which enhances the overall development experience.

  • express-graphql:

    express-graphql is lightweight and focuses on providing the core functionality of a GraphQL server without additional features. It allows for custom schema definitions and middleware, but lacks some advanced features found in other libraries.

Ease of Use

  • apollo-server-express:

    apollo-server-express is user-friendly and straightforward, allowing developers to get started quickly with minimal configuration. Its extensive documentation and community support make it accessible for beginners and experienced developers alike.

  • graphql-yoga:

    graphql-yoga is known for its simplicity and ease of use, providing sensible defaults and a quick setup process. Its built-in features and GraphQL playground make it particularly beginner-friendly.

  • @nestjs/apollo:

    @nestjs/apollo is designed for developers familiar with NestJS, making it easy to use within that ecosystem. Its modular architecture simplifies the organization of code and promotes best practices in API development.

  • express-graphql:

    express-graphql is extremely easy to set up, requiring only a few lines of code to create a GraphQL endpoint. However, its simplicity may limit more advanced use cases without additional customization.

Community and Support

  • apollo-server-express:

    apollo-server-express is part of the Apollo ecosystem, which has a large and active community. It is well-documented and widely used, ensuring ample resources and community support for troubleshooting and best practices.

  • graphql-yoga:

    graphql-yoga has a supportive community and is actively maintained. Its documentation is comprehensive, and it provides various examples and use cases, making it easier for developers to adopt and implement.

  • @nestjs/apollo:

    @nestjs/apollo benefits from the growing NestJS community, which offers extensive documentation, tutorials, and support channels, making it easier for developers to find help and resources.

  • express-graphql:

    express-graphql has a smaller community compared to others, but it is still well-supported with documentation and examples. Its simplicity means that many developers can easily understand and implement it without extensive resources.

Performance

  • apollo-server-express:

    apollo-server-express is optimized for performance and can handle high loads effectively. It supports features like automatic persisted queries to reduce payload sizes and improve response times.

  • graphql-yoga:

    graphql-yoga is designed for performance and scalability, supporting features like batching and caching out of the box. It is suitable for applications that require real-time updates and high throughput.

  • @nestjs/apollo:

    @nestjs/apollo leverages the performance optimizations of NestJS, including efficient dependency injection and modular architecture, which can lead to better performance in larger applications.

  • express-graphql:

    express-graphql is lightweight, which can lead to good performance for small applications. However, for larger applications, performance may depend on how well the developer optimizes the schema and queries.

How to Choose: apollo-server-express vs graphql-yoga vs @nestjs/apollo vs express-graphql
  • apollo-server-express:

    Choose apollo-server-express if you need a straightforward and flexible solution for integrating GraphQL with an existing Express application. It is highly customizable and supports various middleware, making it suitable for diverse use cases.

  • graphql-yoga:

    Choose graphql-yoga if you are looking for an all-in-one GraphQL server that is easy to set up and use. It comes with built-in features like subscriptions, file uploads, and a powerful GraphQL playground, making it suitable for rapid development.

  • @nestjs/apollo:

    Choose @nestjs/apollo if you are developing a NestJS application and want to leverage its powerful dependency injection and modular architecture. It integrates seamlessly with other NestJS components and provides a structured way to build GraphQL APIs.

  • express-graphql:

    Choose express-graphql if you want a minimalistic approach to setting up a GraphQL server with Express. It is lightweight and easy to use, making it ideal for small projects or when you want to quickly prototype a GraphQL API without additional overhead.

README for apollo-server-express

npm version Build Status Join the community forum Read CHANGELOG

This is the Express integration of Apollo Server. Apollo Server is a community-maintained open-source GraphQL server that works with many Node.js HTTP server frameworks. Read the docs. Read the CHANGELOG.

A full example of how to use apollo-server-express can be found in the docs.

Before Apollo Server 3, we officially supported using this package with connect as well. connect is an older framework that express evolved from. For now, we believe that this package is still compatible with connect and we even run tests against connect, but we may choose to break this compatibility at some point without a major version bump. If you rely on the ability to use Apollo Server with connect, you may wish to make your own integration.

Principles

GraphQL Server is built with the following principles in mind:

  • By the community, for the community: GraphQL Server's development is driven by the needs of developers
  • Simplicity: by keeping things simple, GraphQL Server is easier to use, easier to contribute to, and more secure
  • Performance: GraphQL Server is well-tested and production-ready - no modifications needed

Anyone is welcome to contribute to GraphQL Server, just read CONTRIBUTING.md, take a look at the roadmap and make your first PR!