Head-to-Head: Apollo Client vs graphql-request Analysis
@apollo/client
v3.11.1(4 days ago)
@apollo/client is a comprehensive state management library for JavaScript applications, particularly those using GraphQL. It provides a powerful and flexible way to manage application state and interact with GraphQL APIs. With features like caching, local state management, and error handling, @apollo/client simplifies the process of fetching and managing data from a GraphQL server.
graphql-request is a lightweight and flexible JavaScript library for making GraphQL queries to a server. It simplifies the process of sending queries and mutations to a GraphQL API by providing a clean and intuitive syntax. With graphql-request, you can easily fetch data from a GraphQL endpoint and handle responses efficiently.
Alternatives:
apollo-client-+
urql-+
relay-runtime-+
graphql-hooks-+
apollo-fetch-+
lokka-+
graphql.js-+
fetchql-+
micro-graphql-react-+
graphql-zeus-+
Tags: javascriptgraphqlquerymutationclient
Fight!
Popularity
Both @apollo/client and graphql-request are popular libraries for working with GraphQL in JavaScript. However, @apollo/client is more widely used and has a larger community following due to its association with the Apollo GraphQL ecosystem.
Integration with Apollo ecosystem
If you are already using other Apollo tools like Apollo Server or Apollo Federation, @apollo/client offers seamless integration and provides features like caching, local state management, and built-in support for GraphQL subscriptions. On the other hand, graphql-request is a standalone library and doesn't have the same level of integration with the Apollo ecosystem.
Functionality and Features
@apollo/client is a comprehensive GraphQL client that provides advanced features like caching, automatic persisted queries, optimistic UI updates, and more. It offers a rich API and integrates well with frontend frameworks like React. graphql-request, on the other hand, is a lightweight alternative that focuses on simplicity and ease of use. It provides a straightforward API for making GraphQL requests but lacks some of the more advanced features of @apollo/client.
Size
In terms of size, graphql-request is significantly smaller and more lightweight compared to @apollo/client. If you have strict size requirements or are building a smaller application, graphql-request might be a better choice.
Flexibility
graphql-request is a flexible library that can be used in any JavaScript project without any specific framework requirements. It allows you to work with GraphQL independently and can be easily integrated into different architectures. @apollo/client, on the other hand, is designed to work seamlessly with Apollo GraphQL and is more opinionated in its usage.
Community and Documentation
Both libraries have active communities, but due to its wider popularity, @apollo/client benefits from a larger and more active community. It also has extensive documentation and resources available which can be helpful while learning and troubleshooting. graphql-request also has good documentation but may have a smaller community size.
