Altair GraphQL vs GraphiQL: What are the differences?

Introduction

In this document, we will provide a comparison between Altair GraphQL and GraphiQL, highlighting the key differences between these two popular GraphQL development tools.

1. Architecture: Altair GraphQL allows for a modular and flexible architecture, enabling easier customization and extensibility. On the other hand, GraphiQL has a more strict and structured architecture, which may limit certain customizations and extensions.

2. User Interface: Altair GraphQL provides a more modern and intuitive user interface, with features such as a query autocompletion and validation. GraphiQL, while still functional, has a simpler and less user-friendly interface.

3. Dark Mode: Altair GraphQL supports dark mode, providing a sleeker and more visually appealing experience, especially for developers who prefer working in darker environments. GraphiQL lacks built-in dark mode support.

4. Schema Documentation: Altair GraphQL includes detailed schema documentation, allowing developers to easily explore and understand the GraphQL schema. GraphiQL, on the other hand, does not provide built-in schema documentation, requiring developers to rely on external tools or resources.

5. Variable Management: Altair GraphQL offers a more advanced variable management system, allowing developers to easily define and manage variables used in GraphQL queries. GraphiQL provides basic support for variables, but lacks some of the advanced features offered by Altair GraphQL.

6. Code Generation: Altair GraphQL includes a code generation feature, which generates client-side code based on the GraphQL schema, making it easier to integrate GraphQL into applications. GraphiQL does not provide built-in code generation functionality.

In summary, Altair GraphQL offers a more flexible architecture, modern user interface with autocompletion and dark mode support, detailed schema documentation, advanced variable management, and code generation capabilities. GraphiQL, while still functional, has a more structured architecture, a simpler user interface, no dark mode support, limited variable management, and lacks code generation functionality.