when to use REST and when to use gRPC?

When to use REST?

Owing to the properties and features REST has, its usage will bring maximum benefits when the development goal is to develop a secured internal system. Also, it holds equal significance in the development of a system that has controlled exposure to the outside world.

Use it when you expect your application to feature swift iteration along with HTTP connection standardization. If you want to offer ample integrations via your application, try REST as it comes with in-build support for thousands of 3rd party tools. This way, incorporating integration won’t be an issue.

Using REST is a wise choice to make when you’re developing cloud-based applications. It’s possible because of the Stateless Calls that REST API can easily make. These calls ensure that the load changes are easily incorporated into the cloud application in case of any technical fault.

When to use gRPC?

gRPC has to come a long way to achieve the community and technology support that REST API has earned. Present-era 3rd party tools are still not equipped enough to provide out-and-out support to gRPC. Hence, its usage area is limited. Mostly, it’s preferred for the development of internal systems. Also, it’s a wise choice to make when you need to build an application that isn’t available to outsiders.

It’s preferred when developers need to establish a lightweight microservices connection; it offers reduced latency and quick data delivery. 

Microservices that demand real-time message delivery can make it happen with the help of gRPC. The use of HTTP/2.0 promotes message/data delivery.

We have already mentioned that gRPC can make one application to support multiple languages. So, use this API when you need to develop a multilingual application. This capability comes from gRPC’s support for native code systems. Also, gRPC allows developers to easily manage the polyglot ecosystem’s connection.

Applications that need to fetch real-time data must be developed via gRPC as it supports two-way streaming. If developers have access to the network that features low power and bandwidth then using gRPC is a smart move as gRPC uses Protocol Buffer message format. It’s a highly serialized message format that supports lightweight messaging. 

Even with reduced development resources, gRPC will make development possible. You can use it for mobile apps because the API doesn’t ask for any browser.