REST vs GraphQL vs tRPC

You've been learning REST because it's the most common API style on the web. But it's not the only option. Two alternatives — GraphQL and tRPC — solve real problems that REST struggles with.

This isn't a "which is best" debate. Each paradigm has legitimate strengths. The right choice depends on your team, your app, and your constraints. Let's understand all three so you can make an informed decision.

REST — The Standard

You already know REST from the earlier lessons, but let's crystallize its strengths and weaknesses now that you've built some endpoints.

How REST Works

Every resource gets a URL. HTTP methods define the action. The server decides what data to return.

// Client code
const user = await fetch('/api/users/42').then(r => r.json());
const posts = await