Performance Evaluation of REST and GraphQL API Models in Microservices Software Development Domain

Mohamed S. M. Elghazal, Adel Aneiba, Essa Q. Shahra

2025

Abstract

This study presents a comprehensive comparative analysis of REST and GraphQL API models within the context of microservices development, offering empirical insights into the strengths and limitations of each approach. The research explores the effectiveness and efficiency of GraphQL versus REST, focusing on their impact on critical software quality metrics and user experience. Using a controlled experimental setup, the study evaluates key performance indicators, including response time, data transfer efficiency, and error rates. The findings reveal that REST APIs demonstrate superior memory efficiency and faster response times, particularly under high-load conditions, making them a reliable choice for performance-critical microservices. On the other hand, GraphQL excels in offering greater flexibility for data retrieval, but exhibits higher response times and higher error rates when handling complex queries. This research provides a nuanced understanding of the trade-offs between the REST and GraphQL API interaction models, offering actionable guidance to developers and researchers in selecting the optimal API model for microservice-based applications. The insights are particularly valuable for balancing considerations such as performance, flexibility, and reliability in real-world implementations.

Paper Citation

in Harvard Style

Elghazal M., Aneiba A. and Shahra E. (2025). Performance Evaluation of REST and GraphQL API Models in Microservices Software Development Domain. In Proceedings of the 21st International Conference on Web Information Systems and Technologies - Volume 1: WEBIST; ISBN 978-989-758-772-6, SciTePress, pages 83-91. DOI: 10.5220/0013729900003985

in Bibtex Style

@conference{webist25,
author={Mohamed Elghazal and Adel Aneiba and Essa Shahra},
title={Performance Evaluation of REST and GraphQL API Models in Microservices Software Development Domain},
booktitle={Proceedings of the 21st International Conference on Web Information Systems and Technologies - Volume 1: WEBIST},
year={2025},
pages={83-91},
publisher={SciTePress},
organization={INSTICC},
doi={10.5220/0013729900003985},
isbn={978-989-758-772-6},
}

in EndNote Style

TY - CONF

JO - Proceedings of the 21st International Conference on Web Information Systems and Technologies - Volume 1: WEBIST
TI - Performance Evaluation of REST and GraphQL API Models in Microservices Software Development Domain
SN - 978-989-758-772-6
AU - Elghazal M.
AU - Aneiba A.
AU - Shahra E.
PY - 2025
SP - 83
EP - 91
DO - 10.5220/0013729900003985
PB - SciTePress