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GraphQL

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GraphQL vs Xamarin: What are the differences?

# Introduction
In this Markdown document, we will compare and contrast the key differences between GraphQL and Xamarin.

1. **Language and Purpose**: GraphQL is a query language for APIs created by Facebook, used for fetching only the data requested by the client. On the other hand, Xamarin is a platform that allows developers to create cross-platform mobile applications using C# and .NET.

2. **Scope of Use**: GraphQL is primarily used for querying and manipulating data, providing a more efficient and flexible approach compared to REST APIs. In contrast, Xamarin is focused on building mobile applications across iOS, Android, and Windows platforms.

3. **Development Environment**: GraphQL does not dictate the development environment or tools used, giving developers the flexibility to work with their preferred setup. Xamarin offers an integrated development environment (IDE) through Visual Studio, streamlining the process of designing and coding mobile applications.

4. **Community Support**: GraphQL has gained significant momentum in recent years, with a growing community contributing to its improvement and adoption. While Xamarin also has a strong developer community, it may not be as extensive as the support for GraphQL due to its specialization in mobile development.

5. **Deployment Options**: With GraphQL, the server-side implementation can vary based on the specific requirements of an application, enabling deployment in different environments such as cloud services or dedicated servers. In contrast, Xamarin apps can be deployed across various platforms, utilizing specific deployment methods for each operating system.

6. **Learning Curve**: GraphQL introduces a novel approach to data fetching and manipulation, which may require a learning curve for developers accustomed to traditional REST APIs. Xamarin, on the other hand, leverages C# and .NET, making it easier for developers familiar with these languages to transition to mobile app development. 

In Summary, the key differences between GraphQL and Xamarin revolve around their language and purpose, scope of use, development environment, community support, deployment options, and learning curve.

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Pros of GraphQL
Pros of Xamarin
  • 75
    Schemas defined by the requests made by the user
  • 63
    Will replace RESTful interfaces
  • 62
    The future of API's
  • 49
    The future of databases
  • 13
    Self-documenting
  • 12
    Get many resources in a single request
  • 6
    Query Language
  • 6
    Ask for what you need, get exactly that
  • 3
    Fetch different resources in one request
  • 3
    Type system
  • 3
    Evolve your API without versions
  • 2
    Ease of client creation
  • 2
    GraphiQL
  • 2
    Easy setup
  • 1
    "Open" document
  • 1
    Fast prototyping
  • 1
    Supports subscription
  • 1
    Standard
  • 1
    Good for apps that query at build time. (SSR/Gatsby)
  • 1
    1. Describe your data
  • 1
    Better versioning
  • 1
    Backed by Facebook
  • 1
    Easy to learn
  • 121
    Power of c# on mobile devices
  • 81
    Native performance
  • 79
    Native apps with native ui controls
  • 73
    No javascript - truely compiled code
  • 67
    Sharing more than 90% of code over all platforms
  • 45
    Ability to leverage visual studio
  • 44
    Mvvm pattern
  • 44
    Many great c# libraries
  • 36
    Amazing support
  • 34
    Powerful platform for .net developers
  • 19
    GUI Native look and Feel
  • 16
    Nuget package manager
  • 12
    Free
  • 9
    Backed by Microsoft
  • 9
    Enables code reuse on server
  • 8
    Faster Development
  • 7
    Use of third-party .NET libraries
  • 7
    It's free since Apr 2016
  • 7
    Best performance than other cross-platform
  • 7
    Easy Debug and Trace
  • 7
    Open Source
  • 6
    Mac IDE (Xamarin Studio)
  • 6
    Xamarin.forms is the best, it's amazing
  • 5
    That just work for every scenario
  • 5
    C# mult paradigm language
  • 5
    Power of C#, no javascript, visual studio
  • 4
    Great docs
  • 4
    Compatible to develop Hybrid apps
  • 4
    Microsoft stack
  • 4
    Microsoft backed
  • 3
    Well Designed
  • 3
    Small learning curve for Mobile developers
  • 2
    Ionic
  • 2
    Ability to leverage legacy C and C++

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Cons of GraphQL
Cons of Xamarin
  • 4
    Hard to migrate from GraphQL to another technology
  • 4
    More code to type.
  • 2
    Takes longer to build compared to schemaless.
  • 1
    No support for caching
  • 1
    All the pros sound like NFT pitches
  • 1
    No support for streaming
  • 1
    Works just like any other API at runtime
  • 1
    N+1 fetch problem
  • 1
    No built in security
  • 9
    Build times
  • 5
    Visual Studio
  • 4
    Price
  • 3
    Complexity
  • 3
    Scalability
  • 2
    Nuget
  • 2
    Maturity
  • 2
    Build Tools
  • 2
    Support
  • 0
    Maturidade
  • 0
    Performance

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What is GraphQL?

GraphQL is a data query language and runtime designed and used at Facebook to request and deliver data to mobile and web apps since 2012.

What is Xamarin?

Xamarin’s Mono-based products enable .NET developers to use their existing code, libraries and tools (including Visual Studio*), as well as skills in .NET and the C# programming language, to create mobile applications for the industry’s most widely-used mobile devices, including Android-based smartphones and tablets, iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch.

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What companies use GraphQL?
What companies use Xamarin?
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What tools integrate with GraphQL?
What tools integrate with Xamarin?

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