gRPC vs REST: Choosing the Right API Design Model

This article delves into gRPC and REST, two primary API design models, and the role of OpenAPI. gRPC, based on the RPC model, hides data details, while REST, based on HTTP, is resource-oriented. Many APIs cleverly combine the strengths of both, using an entity-oriented approach but implemented with gRPC. The article compares three ways to use HTTP for APIs: REST, gRPC, and OpenAPI, outlining their advantages and disadvantages, ultimately suggesting choosing the best approach based on specific needs. gRPC offers superior performance but requires special software; OpenAPI is flexible but complex to design; REST is simple and straightforward but less commonly used. The choice involves weighing project requirements, team technology stack, and maintainability.