graphql-request is a lightweight and flexible JavaScript library for making GraphQL requests. It simplifies the process of sending queries and mutations to a GraphQL server by providing a clean and intuitive API. With graphql-request, you can easily define your GraphQL operations and execute them with minimal setup and configuration.
Alternatives:
apollo-client-+
urql-+
relay-runtime-+
graphql-hooks-+
swr-+
react-query-+
fetchql-+
lokka-+
graphql-zeus-+
gqless-+
Tags: javascriptgraphqlclientrequestsflexible
relay-runtime
v18.1.0(about 1 month ago)
Relay-runtime is a JavaScript framework for building data-driven React applications. It provides a declarative and efficient way to fetch and manage data for your components, optimizing performance by batching and caching network requests. Relay-runtime is specifically designed to work with GraphQL, allowing you to define data requirements at the component level and automatically handle data fetching and updates.
Both graphql-request and relay-runtime are popular packages within the GraphQL ecosystem. However, relay-runtime is more commonly associated with the Relay framework and is often used in conjunction with it. graphql-request, on the other hand, is a standalone package that can be used with any GraphQL client or framework.
Functionality
graphql-request is a lightweight and flexible package that offers a simple and intuitive way to make GraphQL queries and mutations. It is suitable for small to medium-sized applications and provides features like query batching, caching, and error handling. relay-runtime is more feature-rich and provides advanced capabilities like automatic data caching, pagination, and mutations. It is designed specifically for building apps with the Relay framework.
Developer Experience
With graphql-request, developers have more control over the network layer and can use it with any HTTP client of their choice. It has a clear and straightforward API and works well with TypeScript. relay-runtime, on the other hand, is tightly integrated with the Relay framework, providing a more opinionated and structured approach to building GraphQL-powered applications. It offers features like query pre-compilation and data-driven updates, which can improve development efficiency when working with Relay.
Learning Curve
graphql-request has a shallow learning curve and is easier to get started with, especially for developers who are new to GraphQL. relay-runtime, on the other hand, has a steeper learning curve as it requires understanding and adoption of the Relay framework's conventions and patterns. It provides additional abstractions and tooling that may require some initial investment in learning.
Flexibility
graphql-request is more flexible in terms of usage as it can be used with any GraphQL server. It can be integrated into different frameworks or used in plain JavaScript or TypeScript projects. relay-runtime, on the other hand, is tightly coupled with the Relay framework and is best suited for projects that adopt Relay's conventions and have complex data requirements.
Community Support
Both graphql-request and relay-runtime have active communities and receive regular updates. However, relay-runtime benefits from the larger and more established Relay community, which provides a wealth of resources, documentation, and community-driven solutions for common GraphQL challenges.