GraphQL is a query language for APIs that enables clients to request and receive precisely the data they need, nothing more and nothing less. It's like ordering off the secret menu at In-N-Out Burger - you get exactly what you want without any of the extra crud that comes with REST APIs.

How to use it in a sentence

1. When the new hire asked why we weren't using REST APIs, I told them, "We use GraphQL because we're not savages living in the stone age of web development."

2. I was going to spend my weekend optimizing our GraphQL queries for better performance, but then I remembered I have a life outside of work - just kidding, no I don't.

If you actually want to learn more...

• Introduction to GraphQL: The official GraphQL documentation provides a comprehensive introduction to the query language, including its core concepts, type system, and how to use it with various programming languages.

• How to GraphQL: This free online tutorial series offers hands-on lessons on how to use GraphQL with different frontend and backend technologies, such as React, Apollo, Node.js, and more.

• GraphQL vs REST: A comparison: This article by Phil Sturgeon compares GraphQL and REST, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of each approach and helping developers decide which one to use for their projects.

Note: the Developer Dictionary is in Beta. Please direct feedback to skye@statsig.com.