apollo-server-express vs @nestjs/graphql vs graphql-yoga vs express-graphql
GraphQL Server Libraries Comparison
1 Year
apollo-server-express@nestjs/graphqlgraphql-yogaexpress-graphql
What's GraphQL Server Libraries?

GraphQL server libraries provide tools and frameworks to build GraphQL APIs, enabling developers to define data schemas, handle queries, and manage data fetching efficiently. They simplify the process of integrating GraphQL into existing applications and offer various features like middleware support, schema stitching, and real-time capabilities. These libraries cater to different use cases, from simple setups to complex applications, and can be integrated with various backend technologies.

Package Weekly Downloads Trend
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Package
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apollo-server-express707,94913,84827.6 kB96a year agoMIT
@nestjs/graphql599,6571,488546 kB5112 days agoMIT
graphql-yoga494,9438,317273 kB1535 days agoMIT
express-graphql263,1896,319-554 years agoMIT
Feature Comparison: apollo-server-express vs @nestjs/graphql vs graphql-yoga vs express-graphql

Integration

  • apollo-server-express:

    apollo-server-express integrates smoothly with Express.js, allowing developers to use existing middleware and routing capabilities. This makes it a great choice for applications already built on Express, as it can easily extend existing functionality without major changes.

  • @nestjs/graphql:

    @nestjs/graphql is designed to work seamlessly with the NestJS framework, leveraging its modular architecture and dependency injection system. This integration allows developers to build scalable applications with a clear separation of concerns, making it easier to manage complex codebases.

  • graphql-yoga:

    graphql-yoga is built on top of Express and offers a simple setup process with built-in features. It provides a flexible and opinionated structure, making it easy to get started with GraphQL while still allowing for customization as needed.

  • express-graphql:

    express-graphql is a minimalistic middleware that can be added to any Express application. It provides a straightforward way to set up a GraphQL endpoint, making it ideal for developers looking for simplicity and quick integration without additional dependencies.

Features

  • apollo-server-express:

    apollo-server-express is feature-rich, supporting caching, performance tracing, and real-time subscriptions out of the box. It also provides extensive documentation and community support, making it suitable for production environments where performance and reliability are critical.

  • @nestjs/graphql:

    @nestjs/graphql offers advanced features like decorators for defining schemas, automatic schema generation, and integration with other NestJS modules. It also supports subscriptions and provides tools for error handling and validation, making it a powerful choice for complex applications.

  • graphql-yoga:

    graphql-yoga comes with built-in support for subscriptions, file uploads, and GraphQL playground, making it a comprehensive solution for developers looking to build GraphQL APIs quickly. Its opinionated defaults help streamline development, while still allowing for customization.

  • express-graphql:

    express-graphql focuses on being lightweight and straightforward, offering basic GraphQL functionality without the bells and whistles. It supports query parsing and execution, but lacks advanced features like subscriptions or built-in caching, making it less suitable for larger applications.

Learning Curve

  • apollo-server-express:

    apollo-server-express is relatively easy to learn, especially for those with prior experience in Express.js. Its extensive documentation and community resources make it accessible for developers of varying skill levels, allowing them to quickly implement GraphQL features in their applications.

  • @nestjs/graphql:

    @nestjs/graphql may have a steeper learning curve for those unfamiliar with NestJS, as it requires understanding the framework's concepts like modules, providers, and decorators. However, for developers already familiar with NestJS, it offers a familiar and structured approach to building GraphQL APIs.

  • graphql-yoga:

    graphql-yoga is designed to be beginner-friendly, with a simple API and built-in features that reduce the need for extensive configuration. Its opinionated setup allows developers to focus on building their application rather than wrestling with configuration details.

  • express-graphql:

    express-graphql is one of the easiest GraphQL libraries to learn, as it requires minimal setup and configuration. Developers can quickly grasp its usage by following simple examples, making it a great choice for beginners looking to experiment with GraphQL.

Community and Support

  • apollo-server-express:

    apollo-server-express has a large and active community, with extensive documentation, tutorials, and examples available. As part of the Apollo ecosystem, it benefits from a wealth of resources and community support, making it a reliable choice for production applications.

  • @nestjs/graphql:

    @nestjs/graphql benefits from the strong NestJS community, which provides extensive documentation, tutorials, and resources. The community is active, and developers can find support through forums and GitHub issues, making it easier to troubleshoot and learn best practices.

  • graphql-yoga:

    graphql-yoga has a growing community and is well-documented, providing tutorials and examples to help developers get started. Its focus on ease of use attracts a range of developers, and community support is available through forums and GitHub.

  • express-graphql:

    express-graphql has a smaller community compared to others, but it is well-documented and maintained. While it may not have as many resources as larger frameworks, developers can still find sufficient support through GitHub and online forums.

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

    Choose apollo-server-express if you need a robust and feature-rich GraphQL server that supports middleware and integrates easily with existing Express applications. It offers advanced features like caching, subscriptions, and performance tracing, making it suitable for production-ready applications.

  • @nestjs/graphql:

    Choose @nestjs/graphql if you are using the NestJS framework and want a seamless integration with its modular architecture and dependency injection features. It provides decorators and utilities that align with NestJS principles, making it ideal for building scalable and maintainable applications.

  • graphql-yoga:

    Choose graphql-yoga if you want an easy-to-use and flexible GraphQL server that comes with sensible defaults and built-in features like subscriptions, file uploads, and GraphQL playground. It is particularly useful for rapid prototyping and development.

  • express-graphql:

    Choose express-graphql if you prefer a lightweight solution that allows you to quickly set up a GraphQL server with minimal configuration. It is a straightforward option for small to medium-sized applications that require basic GraphQL functionality 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!