tRPC vs REST vs GraphQL
Three API styles for TypeScript apps.
/ quick answer
tRPC gives end-to-end types for TS-only stacks. REST is universal. GraphQL trades complexity for flexible clients. Three API styles for TypeScript apps.
| Dimension | Option A | Option B |
|---|---|---|
| Type safety | Best in TS (tRPC) | None built-in (REST) / Schema-driven (GraphQL) |
| Client diversity | TS only (tRPC) | Any (REST / GraphQL) |
| Complexity | Low (tRPC) | Low (REST) / High (GraphQL) |
- →Full TS monorepo → tRPC
- →Public API, many clients → REST
- →Flexible mobile + web clients → GraphQL
/ frequently asked
What is the difference in tRPC vs REST vs GraphQL?
tRPC gives end-to-end types for TS-only stacks. REST is universal. GraphQL trades complexity for flexible clients.
What are the main points of comparison?
Type safety: Best in TS (tRPC) vs None built-in (REST) / Schema-driven (GraphQL) · Client diversity: TS only (tRPC) vs Any (REST / GraphQL) · Complexity: Low (tRPC) vs Low (REST) / High (GraphQL)
Which one should I choose?
tRPC for internal TS apps. REST for anything public. GraphQL only when client flexibility outweighs the schema tax.
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