Why Urql is a powerful alternative to Apollo Client

When it comes to building applications with GraphQL, there are several client-side libraries available to choose from. Two of the most popular options are Apollo Client and Urql. While Apollo Client has long been the go-to choice for many developers, Urql has been gaining momentum as a powerful alternative that offers some distinct advantages. In this post, we'll take a closer look at Urql and why it might be the right choice for your next GraphQL project.

What is Urql?

Urql is a lightweight and flexible GraphQL client library that is designed to be easy to use and integrate into any JavaScript application. It was created by Formidable Labs, the same team behind other popular open-source tools like Victory and Spectacle.

One of the primary goals of Urql is to provide a simpler and more approachable alternative to Apollo Client. It achieves this by offering a more minimalist API and a smaller overall bundle size. This makes it ideal for projects where performance and bundle size are a concern, or for developers who prefer a more lightweight and streamlined approach to GraphQL.

Advantages of Urql

1. Smaller bundle size: One of the most significant advantages of Urql over Apollo Client is its smaller bundle size. Urql is designed to be as lightweight as possible, which means it only includes the features that are absolutely necessary. This can help improve page load times and overall performance, especially on slower network connections.

2. Simplified API: Another advantage of Urql is its simplified API. Urql's API is designed to be easy to use and understand, with fewer configuration options and less boilerplate code. This can help developers get up and running quickly, without having to spend a lot of time learning a new library.

3. Flexible caching: Urql also offers a flexible caching system that allows developers to customize how data is cached and retrieved. This can help improve performance and reduce unnecessary network requests, especially for applications with a lot of data.

4. Easy to integrate: Finally, Urql is easy to integrate into any JavaScript application, including React, Vue, and Angular. It also supports server-side rendering and can be used with both TypeScript and JavaScript.

Should you use Urql?

While Urql has many advantages over Apollo Client, it may not be the best choice for every project. If you're building a large, complex application with a lot of data, Apollo Client may be a better choice due to its more extensive feature set and tooling.

However, if you're looking for a lightweight and flexible GraphQL client that is easy to use and integrate, Urql is definitely worth considering. Its simplified API, smaller bundle size, and flexible caching make it an excellent choice for smaller projects or applications where performance is a concern.

Conclusion

Urql is a powerful alternative to Apollo Client that offers many advantages, including a smaller bundle size, simplified API, flexible caching, and easy integration. While it may not be the best choice for every project, it's definitely worth considering for smaller applications or projects where performance and bundle size are a concern. Ultimately, the choice between Urql and Apollo Client will depend on your specific needs and the requirements of your project.