graphql vs graphql-yoga vs express-graphql vs apollo-server
GraphQL Server Libraries Comparison
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What's GraphQL Server Libraries?

GraphQL server libraries provide the necessary tools to create and manage GraphQL APIs, allowing developers to define schemas, handle queries, and manage data fetching efficiently. These libraries facilitate the implementation of GraphQL specifications, enabling clients to request only the data they need, which can lead to more efficient data retrieval and improved performance. Each library has its unique features and use cases, catering to different development needs and preferences.

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graphql16,412,27720,1731.36 MB1554 months agoMIT
graphql-yoga558,3598,344285 kB16022 days agoMIT
express-graphql282,6736,316-554 years agoMIT
apollo-server232,79913,85826.6 kB96a year agoMIT
Feature Comparison: graphql vs graphql-yoga vs express-graphql vs apollo-server

Ease of Use

  • graphql:

    GraphQL itself is a specification rather than a library, so its ease of use depends on the implementation. Understanding the core concepts of GraphQL can be straightforward, but building a server from scratch requires more effort and familiarity with the underlying technologies.

  • graphql-yoga:

    GraphQL Yoga offers a very user-friendly setup process, with sensible defaults that allow developers to get started quickly. It abstracts many complexities, making it an excellent choice for those who want to focus on building features rather than configuration.

  • express-graphql:

    Express-GraphQL is straightforward to integrate into existing Express applications. It requires minimal configuration and allows developers to quickly expose a GraphQL API without much overhead, making it ideal for smaller projects or those already using Express.

  • apollo-server:

    Apollo Server is designed to be easy to set up and use, with a focus on developer experience. It provides a comprehensive set of features out of the box, including schema stitching, caching, and support for subscriptions, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced developers.

Features and Extensibility

  • graphql:

    As a specification, GraphQL does not provide features itself, but it allows for extensive customization in implementations. Developers can define their own types, queries, and mutations, which can lead to highly tailored solutions but requires more effort to implement.

  • graphql-yoga:

    GraphQL Yoga combines the best features of Apollo Server and Express-GraphQL, providing a rich set of features while remaining easy to use. It supports subscriptions, file uploads, and real-time capabilities, making it a versatile choice for modern applications.

  • express-graphql:

    Express-GraphQL is lightweight and does not impose many features, which can be a benefit for developers looking for simplicity. However, it may require additional libraries or custom implementations for features like subscriptions or advanced error handling.

  • apollo-server:

    Apollo Server is highly extensible, allowing developers to add custom directives, middleware, and plugins. It supports advanced features like data sources for efficient data fetching and built-in support for Apollo Client, making it a powerful choice for complex applications.

Community and Support

  • graphql:

    Being the core specification, GraphQL has a vast community and a wealth of resources available. However, support may vary depending on the specific implementation chosen by the developer.

  • graphql-yoga:

    GraphQL Yoga benefits from a growing community and is backed by the GraphQL community at large. It provides good documentation and examples, making it easier for new developers to adopt.

  • express-graphql:

    Express-GraphQL has a smaller community compared to Apollo Server, but it is well-documented and supported by the Express.js community. It may not have as many resources, but it remains a reliable choice for those familiar with Express.

  • apollo-server:

    Apollo Server has a large and active community, providing extensive documentation, tutorials, and third-party tools. This support can be invaluable for developers looking to implement complex features or troubleshoot issues.

Performance

  • graphql:

    Performance depends on the implementation of the GraphQL server. Developers have full control over how to optimize data fetching and processing, but this requires a deeper understanding of performance best practices.

  • graphql-yoga:

    GraphQL Yoga is designed for performance and scalability, offering built-in features for handling subscriptions and real-time data. It is suitable for applications that expect high traffic and require efficient data handling.

  • express-graphql:

    Express-GraphQL is lightweight and can perform well for small to medium-sized applications. However, it may require additional optimization techniques for larger applications, as it does not come with built-in performance enhancements like Apollo Server.

  • apollo-server:

    Apollo Server is optimized for performance with features like caching and batching, which can significantly reduce the number of requests made to the server. It also provides tools for monitoring performance and tracing queries, helping developers optimize their APIs.

Learning Curve

  • graphql:

    Learning GraphQL itself can be straightforward, but implementing a server requires understanding both the specification and the chosen library's features. This can present a steeper learning curve for beginners.

  • graphql-yoga:

    GraphQL Yoga is designed to be beginner-friendly, with a focus on simplicity and ease of use. Its sensible defaults and comprehensive documentation make it an excellent choice for developers new to GraphQL.

  • express-graphql:

    Express-GraphQL has a gentle learning curve, especially for those already familiar with Express.js. Its simplicity allows developers to quickly grasp the basics of GraphQL and start building APIs without much overhead.

  • apollo-server:

    Apollo Server has a moderate learning curve, especially for developers new to GraphQL. However, its extensive documentation and community resources can help ease the learning process, making it accessible for most developers.

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

    Choose GraphQL if you are looking for the core specification and want to build your own GraphQL server from scratch. This package provides the fundamental tools needed to define schemas and types, making it suitable for developers who prefer custom implementations or want to learn the inner workings of GraphQL.

  • graphql-yoga:

    Choose GraphQL Yoga if you want an easy-to-use, fully-featured GraphQL server that comes with sensible defaults and a focus on developer experience. It is built on top of Express and Apollo Server, making it a great choice for rapid development and prototyping while still being capable of handling production workloads.

  • express-graphql:

    Choose Express-GraphQL if you are already using Express.js and want a lightweight, straightforward way to add GraphQL capabilities to your existing Express application. It provides a simple setup and is ideal for projects that prioritize minimalism and direct integration with Express middleware.

  • apollo-server:

    Choose Apollo Server if you need a robust, feature-rich GraphQL server that integrates seamlessly with various data sources, supports middleware, and offers advanced features like caching, subscriptions, and performance tracing. It is particularly well-suited for applications that require a comprehensive GraphQL solution with extensive community support.

Similar Npm Packages to graphql

graphql is a powerful query language for APIs and a runtime for executing those queries with your existing data. It provides a more efficient, powerful, and flexible alternative to REST. With GraphQL, clients can request exactly the data they need, making it easier to manage and optimize data fetching. While GraphQL itself is a robust specification, there are several libraries that help implement GraphQL servers. Here are a few popular alternatives:

  • apollo-server is a community-driven, open-source GraphQL server that works with any GraphQL schema. It is designed to be easy to set up and integrate with various Node.js frameworks, including Express, Koa, and Hapi. Apollo Server provides built-in support for features like subscriptions, middleware, and performance tracing, making it a great choice for building production-ready GraphQL APIs. If you are looking for a comprehensive solution that simplifies the process of building and deploying GraphQL servers, Apollo Server is an excellent option.
  • express-graphql is a middleware for Express that allows you to create a GraphQL API with minimal setup. It provides a straightforward way to integrate GraphQL into your existing Express applications, making it easy to define your GraphQL schema and resolvers. If you are already using Express and want to add GraphQL capabilities to your application without introducing additional complexity, express-graphql is a solid choice.
  • graphql-yoga is a fully-featured GraphQL server that is built on top of Express and other popular libraries. It aims to provide a simple and easy-to-use setup for creating GraphQL APIs, with built-in support for features like subscriptions, file uploads, and more. graphql-yoga is particularly appealing for developers who want a quick and easy way to get started with GraphQL without having to configure many options. It’s a great choice for prototyping and small to medium-sized applications.

To explore how these packages compare, check out the comparison: Comparing apollo-server vs express-graphql vs graphql vs graphql-yoga.

Similar Npm Packages to graphql-yoga

graphql-yoga is a fully-featured GraphQL server that is easy to set up and use. It is built on top of the popular Apollo Server and Express frameworks, providing a simple and flexible way to create GraphQL APIs. With built-in support for features like subscriptions, file uploads, and more, graphql-yoga is an excellent choice for developers looking to quickly build and deploy GraphQL servers. Its user-friendly API and extensive documentation make it accessible for both beginners and experienced developers alike.

While graphql-yoga is a robust solution, there are other libraries in the GraphQL ecosystem that serve similar purposes. Here are a few alternatives:

  • apollo-server-express is a community-driven, open-source GraphQL server that integrates seamlessly with Express. It is part of the Apollo GraphQL ecosystem and offers powerful features such as caching, batching, and real-time subscriptions. apollo-server-express is ideal for developers who want to leverage the full capabilities of Apollo Client and need a highly customizable server setup. Its extensive features make it suitable for complex applications that require advanced GraphQL functionalities.
  • express-graphql is a minimalistic GraphQL server implementation for Express. It provides a straightforward way to create a GraphQL API with basic features. While it may not have as many built-in functionalities as graphql-yoga or apollo-server-express, express-graphql is lightweight and easy to use, making it a great choice for developers who want to get started with GraphQL without additional overhead. It allows for quick prototyping and is suitable for smaller applications or projects that require a simple GraphQL setup.

To see how graphql-yoga compares with apollo-server-express and express-graphql, check out the comparison: Comparing apollo-server-express vs express-graphql vs graphql-yoga.

Similar Npm Packages to express-graphql

express-graphql is a middleware for integrating GraphQL with Express.js, allowing developers to build GraphQL APIs easily and efficiently. It provides a straightforward way to set up a GraphQL server, enabling developers to define their schema and resolvers while leveraging the power of Express.js for handling HTTP requests. With express-graphql, you can quickly create a robust GraphQL endpoint that can serve complex data queries and mutations.

While express-graphql is a popular choice for building GraphQL APIs, there are other libraries that serve similar purposes. Here are a few alternatives:

  • apollo-server-express is part of the Apollo Server ecosystem, which is widely used for building GraphQL APIs. It integrates seamlessly with Express.js, providing a rich set of features such as built-in support for subscriptions, caching, and performance tracing. Apollo Server also offers a powerful developer experience with tools like Apollo Client and Apollo Studio, making it an excellent choice for developers looking for a comprehensive solution for building GraphQL APIs.
  • graphql-yoga is a fully-featured GraphQL server that is easy to set up and use. It is built on top of Express.js and provides a simple API for creating GraphQL servers with features like real-time subscriptions, file uploads, and more. graphql-yoga is designed to be flexible and extensible, making it suitable for both small projects and larger applications. Its simplicity and ease of use make it a great option for developers looking to get started with GraphQL quickly.

To see how express-graphql compares with apollo-server-express and graphql-yoga, check out the comparison: Comparing apollo-server-express vs express-graphql vs graphql-yoga.

Similar Npm Packages to apollo-server

apollo-server is a community-driven, open-source GraphQL server that works with any GraphQL schema. It is designed to be easy to set up and use, providing a robust set of features out of the box, including support for subscriptions, middleware, and more. Apollo Server integrates seamlessly with various Node.js frameworks, making it a popular choice for developers looking to implement GraphQL APIs in their applications. Its extensive documentation and active community support further enhance its usability, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced developers.

An alternative to Apollo Server is express-graphql. This library is a middleware for Express that allows you to create a GraphQL API easily. It provides a simple way to set up a GraphQL server using Express, enabling you to define your schema and resolvers while leveraging the existing Express ecosystem. While express-graphql is lightweight and straightforward, it may require more manual setup compared to Apollo Server, which comes with built-in features like performance tracing and error handling.

For a detailed comparison of these two packages, check out the following link: Comparing apollo-server vs express-graphql.

README for graphql

GraphQLConf 2024 Banner: September 10-12, San Francisco. Hosted by the GraphQL Foundation

GraphQL.js

The JavaScript reference implementation for GraphQL, a query language for APIs created by Facebook.

npm version Build Status Coverage Status

See more complete documentation at https://graphql.org/ and https://graphql.org/graphql-js/.

Looking for help? Find resources from the community.

Getting Started

A general overview of GraphQL is available in the README for the Specification for GraphQL. That overview describes a simple set of GraphQL examples that exist as tests in this repository. A good way to get started with this repository is to walk through that README and the corresponding tests in parallel.

Using GraphQL.js

Install GraphQL.js from npm

With npm:

npm install --save graphql

or using yarn:

yarn add graphql

GraphQL.js provides two important capabilities: building a type schema and serving queries against that type schema.

First, build a GraphQL type schema which maps to your codebase.

import {
  graphql,
  GraphQLSchema,
  GraphQLObjectType,
  GraphQLString,
} from 'graphql';

var schema = new GraphQLSchema({
  query: new GraphQLObjectType({
    name: 'RootQueryType',
    fields: {
      hello: {
        type: GraphQLString,
        resolve() {
          return 'world';
        },
      },
    },
  }),
});

This defines a simple schema, with one type and one field, that resolves to a fixed value. The resolve function can return a value, a promise, or an array of promises. A more complex example is included in the top-level tests directory.

Then, serve the result of a query against that type schema.

var source = '{ hello }';

graphql({ schema, source }).then((result) => {
  // Prints
  // {
  //   data: { hello: "world" }
  // }
  console.log(result);
});

This runs a query fetching the one field defined. The graphql function will first ensure the query is syntactically and semantically valid before executing it, reporting errors otherwise.

var source = '{ BoyHowdy }';

graphql({ schema, source }).then((result) => {
  // Prints
  // {
  //   errors: [
  //     { message: 'Cannot query field BoyHowdy on RootQueryType',
  //       locations: [ { line: 1, column: 3 } ] }
  //   ]
  // }
  console.log(result);
});

Note: Please don't forget to set NODE_ENV=production if you are running a production server. It will disable some checks that can be useful during development but will significantly improve performance.

Want to ride the bleeding edge?

The npm branch in this repository is automatically maintained to be the last commit to main to pass all tests, in the same form found on npm. It is recommended to use builds deployed to npm for many reasons, but if you want to use the latest not-yet-released version of graphql-js, you can do so by depending directly on this branch:

npm install graphql@git://github.com/graphql/graphql-js.git#npm

Experimental features

Each release of GraphQL.js will be accompanied by an experimental release containing support for the @defer and @stream directive proposal. We are hoping to get community feedback on these releases before the proposal is accepted into the GraphQL specification. You can use this experimental release of GraphQL.js by adding the following to your project's package.json file.

"graphql": "experimental-stream-defer"

Community feedback on this experimental release is much appreciated and can be provided on the issue created for this purpose.

Using in a Browser

GraphQL.js is a general-purpose library and can be used both in a Node server and in the browser. As an example, the GraphiQL tool is built with GraphQL.js!

Building a project using GraphQL.js with webpack or rollup should just work and only include the portions of the library you use. This works because GraphQL.js is distributed with both CommonJS (require()) and ESModule (import) files. Ensure that any custom build configurations look for .mjs files!

Contributing

We actively welcome pull requests. Learn how to contribute.

This repository is managed by EasyCLA. Project participants must sign the free (GraphQL Specification Membership agreement before making a contribution. You only need to do this one time, and it can be signed by individual contributors or their employers.

To initiate the signature process please open a PR against this repo. The EasyCLA bot will block the merge if we still need a membership agreement from you.

You can find detailed information here. If you have issues, please email operations@graphql.org.

If your company benefits from GraphQL and you would like to provide essential financial support for the systems and people that power our community, please also consider membership in the GraphQL Foundation.

Changelog

Changes are tracked as GitHub releases.

License

GraphQL.js is MIT-licensed.

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