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## The GraphQL Decision GraphQL isn't universally better than REST. It's a tool for specific problems. Here's when to reach for it. ## GraphQL Wins When... - Clients need flexible data shapes (mobile vs web) - You have deeply nested relationships - Multiple teams consume the same API - You want type-safe, self-documenting APIs ## REST Wins When... - Simple CRUD operations - File uploads / downloads - Caching is critical (HTTP caching is simpler with REST) - Team is small and doesn't need the flexibility ## Incremental Migration You don't have to rewrite everything. Start with a GraphQL gateway: ```typescript const resolvers = { Query: { user: (_, { id }) => fetch(`/api/users/${id}`).then(r => r.json()), posts: (_, { authorId }) => fetch(`/api/posts?author=${authorId}`).then(r => r.json()), } } ``` This wraps your existing REST APIs in a GraphQL layer, letting clients benefit immediately. > **Tip:** Use GraphQL for reads and REST for writes. This hybrid approach gives you the best of both worlds.