Apollo vs graphql-yoga: What are the differences?

Introduction

In this article, we will compare the key differences between Apollo and graphql-yoga, two popular frameworks for building GraphQL servers.

1. Package Size: One of the main differences between Apollo and graphql-yoga is the package size. Apollo is a feature-rich framework that includes a number of additional libraries and tools, resulting in a larger package size. On the other hand, graphql-yoga is a more lightweight option, providing only the essentials for building a GraphQL server. This can be an important consideration for projects with limited resources or those that prioritize a smaller footprint.

2. Server Implementation: Another difference lies in the server implementation. Apollo Server, which is part of the Apollo framework, is built on top of Apollo's GraphQL JavaScript implementation. It offers advanced features such as automatic persisting and caching of queries, real-time subscriptions, and schema stitching. On the other hand, graphql-yoga is based on the Express server, providing a simpler and more straightforward implementation.

3. Community and Ecosystem: The two frameworks also have different sizes and levels of community support. Apollo has a larger and more active community, with a wide range of resources, documentation, and community-driven extensions available. This thriving ecosystem can be beneficial for developers seeking support and additional features. In contrast, while graphql-yoga has a smaller community, it still provides sufficient documentation and resources for building GraphQL servers.

4. Middleware Support: Apollo offers built-in support for middleware, allowing developers to easily add custom logic, authentication, and error handling to their GraphQL server. This middleware system provides a flexible and extensible way to enhance the server functionality. On the other hand, graphql-yoga does not have a built-in middleware system, but developers can still integrate middleware using the underlying Express server.

5. Subscription Support: Apollo Server provides built-in support for real-time subscriptions, allowing clients to receive updates from the server in real-time. This makes it easy to build real-time applications such as chat systems or real-time dashboards. In contrast, graphql-yoga does not have built-in subscription support, although developers can implement it manually using other tools and libraries.

6. Authentication and Authorization: Apollo Server offers built-in support for authentication and authorization, providing mechanisms to protect GraphQL endpoints and control access to data. This includes features such as integration with JSON Web Tokens (JWT), role-based access control (RBAC), and custom logic for handling user authentication. On the other hand, graphql-yoga does not provide built-in authentication and authorization features, but developers can implement them using middleware or custom logic.

In summary, these are the key differences between Apollo and graphql-yoga: Apollo is a more feature-rich framework with a larger community and support for advanced features such as real-time subscriptions, middleware, and authentication. On the other hand, graphql-yoga is a lightweight option with a smaller package size and a simpler server implementation. The choice between the two depends on the specific requirements and preferences of the project.