API Architecture Comparison
| Feature | JSON-RPC | REST API | GraphQL |
|---|---|---|---|
| Data Fetching | Request-Response | Endpoint-based | Query exactly what you need |
| Over-fetching | ⚠️ Sometimes | ⚠️ Often | ✅ Never |
| Learning Curve | ✅ Low | ✅ Low | ⚠️ Medium |
| Caching | ⚠️ Complex | ✅ Easy | ✅ Normalized |
| Real-time | ⚠️ Requires polling | ⚠️ Webhooks | ✅ Subscriptions |
📡
JSON-RPC
Native blockchain protocol used by Ethereum, Bitcoin, and most L2s.
- ✅ Universal standard
- ✅ Low latency
- ✅ Direct chain access
- ⚠️ Limited query flexibility
🔌
REST API
Traditional web API pattern used by exchanges and data providers.
- ✅ Widely supported
- ✅ Easy to cache
- ✅ Good documentation
- ⚠️ Over-fetching issues
📊
GraphQL
Modern query language ideal for complex data relationships.
- ✅ Exact data fetching
- ✅ Strong typing
- ✅ Subscriptions
- ⚠️ More complex setup
When to Use Each
Use JSON-RPC When:
- • Building directly on Ethereum or EVM chains
- • Need maximum performance and minimal overhead
- • Using wallet connection libraries (ethers.js, web3.js)
Use REST API When:
- • Fetching exchange data or price feeds
- • Building simple integrations
- • Need straightforward caching with CDNs
Use GraphQL When:
- • Building NFT marketplaces with complex queries
- • Need to fetch related data in single request
- • Using The Graph or subgraphs
Get Started with the Right API
Choose the architecture that best fits your use case and start building.