In a recent LinkedIn post, Chirag Goswami provides a clear and concise guide to understanding different API (Application Programming Interface) protocols, emphasizing that the choice of API is critical for efficient development and integration. Goswami highlights that selecting the incorrect API can lead to significant delays and performance issues.
Goswami begins by outlining the fundamental purpose of APIs in modern technology:
“Different APIs solve different problems. Picking the wrong one slows everything down. ⚠️”
The post then systematically breaks down several prominent API protocols, detailing their core characteristics and ideal use cases. This structured approach aims to demystify complex technical choices for developers and business leaders alike.
Understanding Key API Protocols
Chirag Goswami’s analysis delves into the specifics of each protocol, offering a valuable resource for anyone navigating the API landscape.
REST (Representational State Transfer)
According to Goswami, REST is characterized by its simplicity and widespread adoption. It operates over HTTP, utilizing standard methods like GET and POST. Goswami suggests that REST is best suited for conventional web applications and services due to its ease of implementation and broad compatibility.
GraphQL
Goswami points out that GraphQL offers a more flexible approach, allowing clients to request precisely the data they need. This capability prevents both over-fetching (receiving more data than necessary) and under-fetching (requiring multiple requests to get all needed data). As Chirag Goswami notes, this makes GraphQL an excellent choice for complex applications and data-intensive dashboards.
“Client asks exactly what it needs. No over-fetching or under-fetching. Great for complex apps and dashboards.”
SOAP (Simple Object Access Protocol)
For enterprise-level systems requiring robust security and reliability, Goswami identifies SOAP as a key protocol. He describes it as a strict, XML-based protocol that is often employed in sensitive sectors like banking and other established enterprise systems.
gRPC
In the realm of high-performance communication, Goswami highlights gRPC. He explains that it leverages HTTP/2 and Protocol Buffers (Protobuf) for speed and efficiency. Goswami recommends gRPC particularly for internal microservices communication within larger systems.
WebSockets
Addressing the need for real-time interaction, Chirag Goswami explains that WebSockets facilitate persistent, two-way communication channels. This makes them ideal for applications requiring live updates, such as chat platforms, financial trading applications, and live news feeds.
MQTT (Message Queuing Telemetry Transport)
Goswami also covers MQTT, a lightweight messaging protocol. He identifies its primary strength in its efficiency, making it a perfect fit for the Internet of Things (IoT) and devices operating in low-bandwidth environments.
“Lightweight messaging protocol. Perfect for IoT and low-bandwidth devices.”
The Importance of Use Case Specificity
A central theme in Goswami’s post is the nuanced nature of API selection. He strongly advises against searching for a universal “best” API, instead advocating for a context-dependent approach.
“Real-world tip: There is no “best API”. It depends on your use case.”
Goswami summarizes this by providing practical examples: REST for normal applications, GraphQL for frontend-heavy applications, gRPC for backend services, WebSockets for real-time needs, and MQTT for IoT scenarios. This practical advice underscores the importance of aligning technical choices with specific project requirements and business objectives.
The insights shared by Chirag Goswami offer a valuable framework for developers, architects, and product managers aiming to make informed decisions about their API strategies, ultimately contributing to more efficient and effective system design.
📝 About This Content
This article is based on insights shared by Chirag Goswami on LinkedIn.
📅 Originally posted on May 2, 2026 | View original post on LinkedIn →