tRPC vs REST vs GraphQL -- UK API Design (2026)
REST + OpenAPI 3.0 is the UK standard for external APIs -- NHS FHIR R4, FCA Open Banking, GDS, HMRC all use REST + OpenAPI 3.0. tRPC is ClickMasters default for internal TypeScript full-stack APIs (Next.js + Node.js -- zero boilerplate, end-to-end type safety). GraphQL is right for complex client-driven queries with multiple nested relationships -- not typically needed for UK regulated applications where REST is mandated. API design affects NHS DTAC Domain 4 interoperability, FCA Open Banking standards, GDS API standards, and developer productivity.
| Factor | REST + OpenAPI 3.0 | tRPC | GraphQL |
|---|---|---|---|
| NHS FHIR R4 (external) | REQUIRED -- NHS FHIR R4 is REST + OpenAPI | tRPC internal only -- not for NHS external | Not FHIR-compatible |
| FCA Open Banking (external) | REQUIRED -- OBIE specs are REST + OpenAPI 3.0 | Not suitable for external Open Banking | Not Open Banking compatible |
| GDS API Standard (external) | REQUIRED -- GDS Service Standard Pt 16 | Not suitable for external GDS APIs | Not GDS standard |
| Internal TypeScript full-stack | Boilerplate-heavy -- manual types | BEST -- zero boilerplate, end-to-end types | Requires schema definition |
| Next.js App Router RSC | REST fetch in Server Components | Native -- createCaller for RSC | GraphQL client in RSC possible |
| UK GDPR audit trail | HTTP request log -- standard | tRPC logs as HTTP under the hood | GraphQL logging more complex |
| Developer productivity (TS teams) | Medium -- OpenAPI codegen helps | HIGHEST for TS monorepos | Medium -- schema + resolver overhead |
| Non-TypeScript consumers | BEST -- REST universal | TypeScript only | Any language -- SDL required |
| ClickMasters default | All external UK APIs (NHS/FCA/GDS) | All internal TypeScript full-stack | Complex nested reads -- not regulated |
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