Django REST framework vs Graphene: What are the differences?

Introduction

Django REST framework and Graphene are both popular tools used in building APIs in Python. While they serve a similar purpose, there are key differences between the two frameworks. In this article, we will explore and compare six major differences between Django REST framework and Graphene.

1. Architecture: Django REST framework follows a traditional and proven MVC (Model-View-Controller) architecture, where the data models, views, and controllers are well defined. On the other hand, Graphene follows a GraphQL-based architecture, which allows clients to request only the data they need, resulting in more efficient and flexible API calls.

2. Query Language: Django REST framework uses SQL-like queries to interact with the database and retrieve data. It provides a set of powerful ORM (Object-Relational Mapping) tools to simplify database operations. In contrast, Graphene utilizes GraphQL, which has its own query language focused on describing data requirements precisely.

3. Schema Definition: In Django REST framework, the schema is defined implicitly based on the serializers and views. Serializers define the representation of data, and views handle the request-response flow. In Graphene, the schema is explicitly defined using a dedicated syntax. It allows developers to define types, fields, and resolvers, providing a more explicit and customizable approach to defining API schemas.

4. API Flexibility: Django REST framework offers a comprehensive set of pre-built features for building APIs like authentication, pagination, serialization, etc. These features are readily available and can be easily integrated into an API. On the other hand, Graphene comes with a minimalistic approach and provides a lightweight framework for creating GraphQL APIs. While it doesn't provide all the pre-built features, it offers more flexibility to choose and integrate specific features as needed.

5. Request and Response: Django REST framework primarily follows a request-response model, where a client sends a request to the server, and the server responds with the requested data. Graphene, being GraphQL-based, provides a more flexible request-response system. Clients can make multiple related queries in a single request, reducing the overhead of multiple requests.

6. Community and Support: Django REST framework has been around for quite a long time and has a large and active community. It is widely adopted and has extensive documentation and community support. Graphene, being a relative newcomer focused on GraphQL, has a smaller community, but it is growing rapidly. Though the community support may not be as extensive as Django REST framework, it is evolving quickly and gaining popularity.

In summary, Django REST framework follows a traditional MVC architecture and leverages SQL-like queries, while Graphene adopts a GraphQL-based architecture and query language. Django REST framework offers more built-in features and provides a comprehensive framework for building APIs. On the other hand, Graphene provides more flexibility and efficiency with its GraphQL-based approach. Both frameworks have their strengths and are suitable for different use cases based on specific project requirements.