GraphiQL vs Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio: What are the differences?
# Introduction
Key differences between GraphiQL and Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio
1. **Purpose**: GraphiQL is a graphical interactive in-browser GraphQL IDE used for testing and querying GraphQL APIs, while Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) is a tool specifically designed for managing Microsoft SQL Server databases, performing queries, and database administration tasks.
2. **Technology**: GraphiQL is built specifically to interact with GraphQL APIs using queries and mutations written in GraphQL syntax, whereas SSMS is for interacting with SQL databases using SQL syntax for querying, updating, and managing data.
3. **User Interface**: GraphiQL provides a clean and minimalistic interface for writing and executing GraphQL queries, along with autocomplete suggestions and query validation, whereas SSMS has a more comprehensive interface with various sections like Object Explorer, Query Editor, and Database Diagrams for working with SQL databases.
4. **Extensions and Plugins**: GraphiQL does not have support for extensions or plugins since it is a lightweight web-based tool, while SSMS allows for the installation of additional extensions and plugins to enhance functionality and customize the user experience based on specific needs.
5. **Query Language**: GraphiQL supports GraphQL query language for interacting with APIs and working with data, which is more declarative and schema-based, whereas SSMS supports SQL query language, which is more procedural and designed for interacting with relational databases.
6. **Cross-Platform Compatibility**: GraphiQL is a web-based tool that can be accessed on any platform with a modern web browser, while SSMS is a Windows-specific application that may not have full compatibility on other operating systems.
In Summary, GraphiQL and Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio differ in their purpose, technology, user interface, support for extensions, query language, and cross-platform compatibility.