The GitHub GraphQL API

GitHub has transitioned its API from a RESTful design to a GraphQL-based system to address scalability and flexibility challenges faced by developers. GraphQL, a data querying language developed by Facebook, allows for more efficient data retrieval by enabling clients to request exactly what they need, reducing payload sizes and enhancing performance, especially for mobile applications. This shift aims to solve two main problems with the REST API: its limited scalability due to bloated responses and lack of flexibility, which often required multiple calls to gather complete data. The transition also allows GitHub to implement type safety, introspection, and automated documentation, improving both developer experience and the transparency of the platform. GitHub has already implemented parts of its system, such as emoji reactions and social features, using GraphQL and plans to continue expanding its use across the platform. The company is also open-sourcing various tools and libraries to support this transition, aiming for wider production readiness and seamless integration between UI and API features.