api-patterns

Guides choosing between REST, GraphQL, and tRPC architectures for API projects.

Updated Feb 28, 2026

Search Tags:#architecture #api design #rest #graphql #trpc #api patterns

Ready to run

npx skills add https://github.com/lucasfdigital/Orchard --skill api-patterns-lucasfdigital

💬 Prompt for ChatGPT / Claude Chat▼

Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: api-patterns
Source: https://github.com/lucasfdigital/Orchard/tree/main/skills/api-patterns
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/lucasfdigital/Orchard --skill api-patterns-lucasfdigital

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

💡 This Skill includes scripts (resource) and references (resource) components.

What problem does it solve?

This Skill helps you make informed decisions about API design, ensuring you choose the right architecture (REST, GraphQL, tRPC) for your specific needs, leading to more maintainable and efficient APIs.

Core Features & Use Cases

API Style Selection: Guides you through choosing between REST, GraphQL, and tRPC based on project requirements.
Design Principles: Provides best practices for RESTful resource naming, HTTP methods, status codes, and response formats.
Use Case: When starting a new project, use this Skill to determine whether a RESTful API, a GraphQL API, or a tRPC API is the most suitable choice, considering factors like client needs, data complexity, and development stack.

Quick Start

Use the api-patterns skill to decide between REST, GraphQL, or tRPC for a new project.

Frequently Asked Questions about api-patterns

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema

How do I choose between REST, GraphQL, and tRPC for API design?▼

REST, GraphQL, and tRPC API design selection depends on project requirements, client needs, data complexity, and development stack. Evaluating these factors ensures you select the right architecture for a maintainable API.

What are the best practices for RESTful API design principles?▼

RESTful API design best practices involve proper resource naming, using standard HTTP methods, applying correct status codes, and structuring response formats. Following these principles creates well-structured and efficient APIs.

How do I handle API versioning and authentication across different architectures?▼

API versioning and authentication are handled through structured design principles applicable across REST, GraphQL, and tRPC architectures. Implementing standard security testing and versioning strategies ensures maintainable and secure API endpoints.

When should I use GraphQL instead of REST for my API architecture?▼

You should use GraphQL instead of REST when your API architecture faces complex client data requirements that demand flexible querying. REST remains preferable for simpler, standardized resource-based operations.

Does tRPC work well for API style selection in TypeScript development stacks?▼

tRPC works exceptionally well for API style selection in TypeScript development stacks, offering end-to-end type safety without code generation. It suits projects prioritizing tight client-server integration over REST or GraphQL's broader interoperability.