GraphQL: A Critical Review

GraphQL often sparks strong opinions: some see it as “SQL for the frontend” that introduces unnecessary backend complexity, while others view it as a powerful alternative to REST without over and under fetching, offering flexibility and strong type safety. But what’s true, what’s hype—and when is GraphQL actually the right tool?In this talk, I’ll start with an introduction to GraphQL, then critically examine common claims and assumptions using real-world examples. We’ll explore both the strengths and limitations of the technology to help you make informed decisions about where GraphQL fits—and where it doesn’t. This session is aimed at software developers and architects evaluating API technologies for their projects. No prior GraphQL knowledge is required—the talk is accessible to newcomers but also offers insights for experienced developers looking to reflect on their use of GraphQL.