Are you looking to build an integration with Shopify?
Starting April 1, 2025, Shopify will require the use of the GraphQL API for new integrations. However, existing apps will continue using the REST API, as no changes are required for them. Moving forward, Shopify will focus on enhancing the GraphQL API.
If you prefer to stick with Shopify REST API and want to avoid switching to the GraphQL API, this article will guide you on how to continue using the REST API, despite the platform’s upcoming changes.
What is Shopify GraphQL API?
Shopify GraphQL API is a query language developed to make interaction with Shopify's platform more efficient. It enables developers to request some data in one query, preventing repeated API calls. This approach makes it possible to get only the necessary data faster, improving performance.
This type of API is especially useful when dealing with complex data structures. It helps developers retrieve multiple resources in one request, streamlining the integration process. Moreover, GraphQL grants developers more control over data when they receive it, making it more flexible when developing eCommerce apps or software.
What is Shopify REST API?
Shopify REST API is an interface that allows developers to interact with Shopify's platform using HTTP methods such as GET, POST, PUT, and DELETE. This API enables developers to retrieve and manipulate store data like products, orders, and customers by making requests to different endpoints.
With the REST API, developers can make standard requests, such as adding a product, adding an order, or getting customer information. Each request is made to a specified endpoint, and the data is returned in a structured format (usually JSON) that can easily be consumed by the application.
For most developers, particularly those building existing applications, the REST API is the easier option to connect with Shopify's platform.
What is the Difference Between Shopify API REST and GraphQL?
The main differences between Shopify's REST API and GraphQL API relate to data requests and the flexibility they provide.
Data Requests:
With the REST API, you need to make multiple requests to different endpoints to retrieve related data. For instance, in order to get the necessary information on products and their associated inventory, you would have to make different requests.
On the other hand, the GraphQL API allows developers to request all of the data they need in one request. Even when dealing with more complex data retrieval, this can lead to improved efficiency by making it possible to do so with a single request rather than multiple.
Response Flexibility:
The REST API provides the data in a fixed format, and a developer might get more data than they want, requiring additional processing or filtering of that data.
The GraphQL API allows you to specify the exact data you want, meaning you may not receive unnecessary data, which helps save on data transfer. However, this flexibility requires additional planning upfront in building queries.
Performance:
The REST API may be slower at handling multiple resources that relate to one another, since, as mentioned, they generally need to be requested separately for different resources.
The GraphQL API allows multiple resources to be consolidated in a single request, which is more effective. However, this might not be needed for simpler use cases.
Utility and Compatibility:
REST APIs are standardized and relatively simple to implement for simple use cases, especially if it is already being used in your application.
GraphQL APIs allow for more customization but may require some knowledge to take full advantage of what it offers.
In summary, while GraphQL offers potential advantages related to efficiency and flexibility, REST APIs (compared to GraphQL) offer a stable, simpler option for many developers, especially for simpler integrations.
How to Continue Integrating with Shopify REST API?
While each API has its pros and cons, if you still want to continue integrating with Shopify REST API, then you've come to the right place. API2Cart has developed its own API integrations with eCommerce platforms, so you can integrate with Shopify and other eCommerce platforms through our unified REST API. By integrating with eCommerce platforms through API2Cart, you can continue to benefit from the Shopify REST API.
How to get started with API2Cart:
- Start your free trial. We provide you with a 14-day free trial so you can see API2Cart in action. During the trial, you can connect your customers' stores, as well as see how our API methods work, what responses and requests they generate.
- Write an integration. The next step is to write an integration between your eCommerce software and API2Cart. It is necessary to map your functions and our functionality. To speed up and facilitate the integration process, we have a list of integration partners who have already helped many of our customers develop integrations.
- Enjoy an integration with eCommerce platforms. Once the integration is written and you have chosen the most suitable API2Cart pricing plan according to your needs, you will be able to fully utilize our functionality. This includes easily connecting to 60+ major eCommerce platforms and marketplaces and managing your data. We provide many useful guides, code examples, plugins, as well as technical support to facilitate the process of connecting stores.
Using API2Cart, you can continue to integrate with the Shopify REST API and forget about supporting integrations, because API2Cart constantly monitors new platform updates and makes changes to integrations.
API2Cart helps you reduce integration development time, save money and resources, and allow you to focus on other important aspects of your business.
All that's left for you is to make the most out of their new integrations and features. 🙂 We’ve even prepared a guide to help with that.
Read our guide on "How to Market Your Integrations"
So, don't miss the opportunity to integrate with multiple eCommerce platforms in less than a month. Try your free 14-day trial right now!
