GraphQL Editor vs Serverless AppSync: What are the differences?

A Comparison between GraphQL Editor and Serverless AppSync

GraphQL Editor and Serverless AppSync are two popular tools used for building and managing GraphQL APIs. Here are the key differences between them:

1. Functionality: GraphQL Editor is primarily used for designing, developing, and documenting GraphQL schemas visually through a user-friendly interface, while Serverless AppSync is aimed at setting up GraphQL APIs quickly and easily by connecting data sources and defining resolvers without the need to write boilerplate code or manage infrastructure.

2. Deployment: GraphQL Editor focuses on the schema design phase and does not provide the functionality for deploying APIs directly. On the other hand, Serverless AppSync simplifies the deployment process by seamlessly deploying GraphQL APIs to the AWS cloud using AWS AppSync service.

3. Data Sources and Resolvers: Serverless AppSync allows users to integrate various data sources like Amazon DynamoDB, AWS Lambda functions, Amazon RDS, and HTTP endpoints to serve as resolvers for GraphQL queries and mutations. GraphQL Editor, on the other hand, does not handle the integration of data sources and resolvers directly but assists in designing the schema.

4. Customization and Control: Users have more customization and control over their GraphQL APIs in Serverless AppSync as they can define data types, resolvers, authorization rules, and fine-tune the API configurations. In contrast, GraphQL Editor mainly focuses on schema design and may not offer the same level of flexibility in API customization.

5. Pricing Model: GraphQL Editor is generally more cost-effective for small-scale projects or personal use as it offers free and paid plans based on the features required. Serverless AppSync, being a part of the AWS ecosystem, follows the pay-as-you-go pricing model where users are charged based on the resources consumed and the level of usage.

6. Vendor Lock-in: While GraphQL Editor is a standalone tool that can be used independently of any cloud provider, Serverless AppSync is tightly integrated with AWS services and may result in vendor lock-in for users who choose to build their GraphQL APIs using the AWS infrastructure.

In Summary, GraphQL Editor focuses on schema design and visualization, while Serverless AppSync specializes in the rapid deployment and management of GraphQL APIs on AWS with a focus on data integration and ease of use.