What is GraphQL? — UK Software Development Guide
Direct Answer
GraphQL is a query language for APIs and a server-side runtime for executing those queries, developed by Meta (Facebook). Unlike REST APIs (which have fixed endpoints returning predetermined data structures), GraphQL allows clients to specify exactly what data they need in a single request. The server returns precisely the requested data — no more, no less.
GRAPHQL in the UK
GraphQL is increasingly popular in UK software development, particularly for complex B2B SaaS platforms with multiple frontend clients (web app, mobile app, third-party integrations) that need different data subsets from the same API. The main UK Government APIs (HMRC MTD, Companies House, GOV.UK Notify) all use REST, not GraphQL — so GraphQL is most appropriate for new custom API builds rather than government integrations. UK GDPR data minimisation principle aligns well with GraphQL's precise data fetching.
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Get Expert Advice on GRAPHQL
Get Expert Advice on GraphQL ClickMasters engineers apply GraphQL in every project. Free consultation. → clickmasterssoftwaredevelopmentcompany.co.uk/contact/