Unlock the Full Potential of GraphQL: Why urql is the Better Choice
When it comes to building a frontend application with GraphQL, the game changes entirely. Client libraries like urql, Apollo Client, and Relay offer capabilities that REST libraries like Axios or fetch simply can’t match. The reason lies in GraphQL’s opinionated API spec, which enables advanced features like caching, auto-generated React Hooks, and optimistic mutations.
Breaking Free from Apollo Client’s Limitations
As someone who’s spent a significant amount of time working with Apollo Client, I’ve grown frustrated with its caching and local state mechanisms. The “bloat” and mismanagement of the open-source community finally pushed me to explore alternative GraphQL client libraries. That’s when I discovered urql, a great alternative that’s been around since 2019.
urql: A Breath of Fresh Air
urql offers most of the same features as Apollo Client, but with significant improvements. Its documentation is thorough, configuration defaults are sensible, and it provides first-party support for offline mode, file uploads, authentication flows, and a Next.js plugin. When compared to Apollo Client, urql’s advantages become clear.
The Dark Side of Open-Core Business Models
Apollo Client’s popularity masks a deeper issue: its open-source community is mismanaged, with a staggering 795 open issues on GitHub. In contrast, urql has only 16 open issues. This disparity suggests that Apollo Client is more focused on marketing than creating a genuinely open-source product.
Why urql Stands Out
For me, urql is a refreshing change from Apollo Client. Its documentation is extensive, making it easy to get started. The library’s focus on features the community wants means fewer issues and less need for pull requests. urql’s agency, Formidable, prioritizes creating fast and maintainable applications over funneling users into their products.
Simplified Caching and Local State
urql’s caching defaults are sensible and easy to extend. Unlike Apollo Client, it doesn’t force a normalized cache by default, instead offering a document cache that’s simple and effective. Local state management is also simplified, staying true to server data and avoiding the complexities of mixing server-side and local state.
Exchanges: The Key to Extensibility
urql’s exchanges offer ways to extend the client’s functionality by intercepting requests. Unlike Apollo Client, urql allows you to opt into even the basic exchanges, giving you more control and understanding over the client’s behavior.
Next.js Support: A Game-Changer
urql’s official Next.js plugin makes integration a breeze, unlike Apollo Client’s lack of official support. This makes it easy to get started with Next.js SSR.
Conclusion
urql offers a unified community, great documentation, and first-party plugins and caching system that set it apart from Apollo Client. Its focus on engaging with the community and creating a genuinely open-source product makes it an attractive choice for GraphQL developers. Give urql a try and experience the difference for yourself.