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GraphQL VS Apache HTTP Server

Compare GraphQL VS Apache HTTP Server and see what are their differences

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GraphQL logo GraphQL

GraphQL is a data query language and runtime to request and deliver data to mobile and web apps.

Apache HTTP Server logo Apache HTTP Server

Apache httpd has been the most popular web server on the Internet since April 1996
  • GraphQL Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-08-01
  • Apache HTTP Server Landing page
    Landing page //
    2021-10-21

GraphQL features and specs

  • Efficient Data Retrieval
    GraphQL allows clients to request only the data they need, reducing the amount of data transferred over the network and improving performance.
  • Strongly Typed Schema
    GraphQL uses a strongly typed schema to define the capabilities of an API, providing clear and explicit API contracts and enabling better tooling support.
  • Single Endpoint
    GraphQL operates through a single endpoint, unlike REST APIs which require multiple endpoints. This simplifies the server architecture and makes it easier to manage.
  • Introspection
    GraphQL allows clients to query the schema for details about the available types and operations, which facilitates the development of powerful developer tools and IDE integrations.
  • Declarative Data Fetching
    Clients can specify the shape of the response data declaratively, which enhances flexibility and ensures that the client and server logic are decoupled.
  • Versionless
    Because clients specify exactly what data they need, there is no need to create different versions of an API when making changes. This helps in maintaining backward compatibility.
  • Increased Responsiveness
    GraphQL can batch multiple requests into a single query, reducing the latency and improving the responsiveness of applications.

Possible disadvantages of GraphQL

  • Complexity
    The setup and maintenance of a GraphQL server can be complex. Developers need to define the schema precisely and handle resolvers, which can be more complicated than designing REST endpoints.
  • Over-fetching Risk
    Though designed to mitigate over-fetching, poorly designed GraphQL queries can lead to the server needing to fetch more data than necessary, causing performance issues.
  • Caching Challenges
    Caching in GraphQL is more challenging than in REST, since different queries can change the shape and size of the response data, making traditional caching mechanisms less effective.
  • Learning Curve
    GraphQL has a steeper learning curve compared to RESTful APIs because it introduces new concepts such as schemas, types, and resolvers which developers need to understand thoroughly.
  • Complex Rate Limiting
    Implementing rate limiting is more complex with GraphQL than with REST. Since a single query can potentially request a large amount of data, simple per-endpoint rate limiting strategies are not effective.
  • Security Risks
    GraphQL's flexibility can introduce security risks. For example, improperly managed schemas could expose sensitive information, and complex queries can lead to denial-of-service attacks.
  • Overhead on Small Applications
    For smaller applications with simpler use cases, the overhead introduced by setting up and maintaining a GraphQL server may not be justified compared to a straightforward REST API.

Apache HTTP Server features and specs

  • Open Source
    Apache HTTP Server is open source, meaning it is freely available for anyone to use, modify, and distribute. This promotes a large, active community that contributes to its maintenance and improvement.
  • Cross-Platform
    Apache is compatible with a variety of operating systems, including Unix, Linux, and Windows, providing flexibility and widespread usability.
  • Highly Customizable
    It offers a modular architecture that allows users to enable or disable features as needed, and to extend functionality through modules.
  • Robust Documentation
    Apache provides comprehensive and detailed documentation, which makes it easier for users to install, configure, and troubleshoot the server.
  • Widespread Adoption
    With its long history and widespread use, Apache has proven to be reliable and trusted by many organizations worldwide, ensuring a level of trust and stability.
  • Rich Feature Set
    Apache includes many features out-of-the-box, such as SSL/TLS support, URL redirection, authentication, load balancing, and more.

Possible disadvantages of Apache HTTP Server

  • Performance Overhead
    Compared to some lightweight web servers like Nginx, Apache can have higher memory and CPU usage, which may not be ideal for high concurrency needs.
  • Complex Configuration
    Apache's extensive customization options can lead to a complex configuration process, which may be challenging for beginners or those without specific expertise.
  • Less Efficient in Serving Static Content
    While Apache is highly capable, it may be less efficient at serving static content compared to specialized web servers like Nginx.
  • Initial Learning Curve
    Due to its rich features and configurability, new users might face a steep learning curve when first setting up and using Apache HTTP Server.
  • Module Compatibility Issues
    Sometimes, third-party modules may not always be compatible with the latest versions of Apache, causing potential integration issues.

GraphQL videos

REST vs. GraphQL: Critical Look

More videos:

  • Review - REST vs GraphQL - What's the best kind of API?
  • Review - What Is GraphQL?

Apache HTTP Server videos

No Apache HTTP Server videos yet. You could help us improve this page by suggesting one.

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Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to GraphQL and Apache HTTP Server)
Developer Tools
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Web And Application Servers
JavaScript Framework
100 100%
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Web Servers
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User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare GraphQL and Apache HTTP Server

GraphQL Reviews

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Apache HTTP Server Reviews

9 Best XAMPP Alternatives Cross Platform Web Server
However, compared to XAMPP and other popular web servers in the market Apache HTTP Server is a bit more complicated and is a little difficult to navigate for a complete newbie, but if you want to understand web development from the very fundamentals and understand how Apache as a web server software works then this software can be of great help to you.
Litespeed vs Nginx vs Apache: Web Server Showdown
The most commonly used Web Server is by far Apache HTTP Server from the Software Apache Foundation. Created in 1995 by Rob McCool and Brian Behlendorf, among others. The name is a pun for A PatCHy server, as at the time of it’s inception, Apache was based on some existing code, along with some perhaps “hacky or clunky” software packages, enabling it to run. Additionally, the...
Source: chemicloud.com
10 Best alternatives of XAMPP servers for Windows, Linux and macOS
Apache is an open-source and free web server software that owns about 46% of websites worldwide. The official name is Apache HTTP Server and is maintained and developed by the Apache Software Foundation. This allows website owners to serve content on the web – hence the name “webserver”.
Top 5 open source web servers
As the Apache HTTP Server has been the most popular web server since 1996, it "benefits from great documentation and integrated support from other software projects." You can find more information on the Apache Foundation project page.
Source: opensource.com

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, GraphQL should be more popular than Apache HTTP Server. It has been mentiond 245 times since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

GraphQL mentions (245)

  • 🚀 REST API vs. GraphQL: Which One Should You Use in 2025?
    📌 Learn more about GraphQL: https://graphql.org/. - Source: dev.to / about 2 months ago
  • Next.js vs Nest.js: What to Choose in 2025?
    Nest.js has been most widely adopted in developing back-end applications such as RESTful APIs, GraphQL services, and microservices. With its modular design, this framework is well and truly set for large project management; it allows for smooth and efficient performance through built-in features such as dependency injection and strong middleware support. - Source: dev.to / 3 months ago
  • The Power of GraphQL: A Beginner’s Guide to Modern Web Development
    Overview: Managing data efficiently is crucial for delivering smooth user experiences in today's fast-paced digital world. One technology that has revolutionized data handling in web development is GraphQL. This query language for APIs has transformed the way developers interact with data sources, offering flexibility, efficiency, and speed. - Source: dev.to / 3 months ago
  • Advantages of search databases
    To address the challenge about adding new filters and stuff in the API, there were attempts to optimize the process using tools and standards like Apicalypse and, of course, GraphQL. - Source: dev.to / 4 months ago
  • My Journey Deploying an API: From Novice to Docker Enthusiast
    Last Month (December 2024), I was tasked to deploy my organization's backend API—a task I had never attempted before. Armed with AWS server credentials and no prior experience, I relied on documentation and online resources to guide me through the setup. Testing the application locally went smoothly, but upon deployment, I hit a major snag: the GraphQL endpoint failed to respond, though the rest of the application... - Source: dev.to / 4 months ago
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Apache HTTP Server mentions (65)

  • Open Source: A Goldmine for Indie Hackers
    Open source software is built on the democratic idea that everyone should be able to inspect and contribute to the source code. Major projects like Linux, WordPress, and the Apache HTTP Server have shown how collaborative efforts can produce robust, scalable solutions. Indie hackers, often working with limited budgets, gain access to highly dependable tools such as Python and MySQL, which were originally developed... - Source: dev.to / about 9 hours ago
  • Unveiling a Licensing Legend: The Netscape Public License 1.1
    The Netscape Public License 1.1 served as a crucial stepping stone for modern open source licensing models. Developed by Netscape Communications Corporation, it was designed to encourage global community collaboration while safeguarding intellectual property. During the rise of the open source movement, the license provided a much-needed balance between transparency and control, making it a frequent subject of... - Source: dev.to / about 2 months ago
  • Unveiling GNU FDL 1.2: A Deep Dive into Free Documentation Licensing
    Adoption, Use Cases, and Comparative Analysis: Projects ranging from community manuals to major software endeavors like the Apache HTTP Server have adopted the GNU FDL 1.2 to preserve the spirit of open documentation. While its copyleft nature ensures that every modification remains free, critics argue that the rigidity of the license may deter commercial integration. This is contrasted with alternative licensing... - Source: dev.to / about 2 months ago
  • Unveiling GNU FDL 1.1: A Deep Dive into Free Documentation Licensing
    GNU FDL 1.1 was created by the Free Software Foundation (FSF) with the intent of bringing the same freedoms found in free software to documentation. Many notable projects, including those under the aegis of the Apache HTTP Server, have benefited from a documentation license that guarantees continued openness and proper attribution. Throughout our exploration, we will delve into the evolution, strengths, and... - Source: dev.to / about 2 months ago
  • Unveiling SISSL 1.1: A New Era in Open Source Fairness
    Community Engagement and Legal Robustness: The license has garnered attention not just for its legal precision but also for its emphasis on community fairness. Developers find reassurance in clear, transparent clauses that protect their rights while simultaneously opening avenues for innovation. The Apache HTTP Server serves as one notable example of a project that embraced similar principles in fostering a... - Source: dev.to / about 2 months ago
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What are some alternatives?

When comparing GraphQL and Apache HTTP Server, you can also consider the following products

gRPC - Application and Data, Languages & Frameworks, Remote Procedure Call (RPC), and Service Discovery

Microsoft IIS - Internet Information Services is a web server for Microsoft Windows

Next.js - A small framework for server-rendered universal JavaScript apps

Apache Tomcat - An open source software implementation of the Java Servlet and JavaServer Pages technologies

React - A JavaScript library for building user interfaces

LiteSpeed Web Server - LiteSpeed Web Server (LSWS) is a high-performance Apache drop-in replacement.