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GlossaryConceptUpdated May 2026

GraphQL

noun · also: rest-api, api, json

What is graphql?

GraphQL is an API query language where the client specifies exactly which fields it wants — alternative to REST.

Definition

Full definition of graphql

Instead of REST's many endpoints, GraphQL exposes one endpoint and you send a query like { user(id: 123) { name, email } } to get back only those fields. Useful when client apps need flexible queries; less common for workflow automation since most SaaS APIs are REST. Shopify, GitHub, and Linear all expose GraphQL APIs in addition to REST.

In practice

GraphQL examples

Linear query
{ issues(filter: {state: {name: {eq: "Done"}}}) { nodes { title, identifier } } }
Used by

Apps that exemplify graphql

See graphql in action across real integrations.

FAQ

Common questions about graphql

Why use GraphQL over REST?
Fewer round-trips for related data, and you only get the fields you ask for (less bandwidth). Trade-off: more complex client-side.
Does Tiny Command support GraphQL?
Yes — via the custom HTTP action. Some apps (Linear, Shopify) have dedicated GraphQL nodes.