GraphQL

Data

Definition

GraphQL is a query language for APIs that allows clients to request exactly the data they need. Unlike REST, a single GraphQL endpoint serves all queries, with the client specifying the data shape.

How It Relates to CrawlForge

Some websites use GraphQL APIs to power their frontend, which can be an efficient scraping target. GraphQL responses are already structured JSON, and you can request only the fields you need, reducing data transfer.

CrawlForge fetch_url can access GraphQL endpoints directly, sending queries and receiving structured responses. For sites that expose GraphQL, this approach is more efficient than scraping the rendered HTML.

Related CrawlForge Tools

fetch_url

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Related Terms

REST API

A REST API (Representational State Transfer) is a web service architecture that uses standard HTTP methods to perform operations on resources. It is the most common API style for web services.

API Endpoint

An API endpoint is a specific URL where an API receives requests. Each endpoint performs a specific function, like retrieving data, creating records, or triggering actions.

JSON

JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) is a lightweight data interchange format that is easy for humans to read and machines to parse. It is the standard format for API responses and structured data exchange.

Structured Output

Structured output refers to data returned in a predictable, machine-readable format like JSON, rather than free-form text. It enables reliable downstream processing by AI agents and data pipelines.

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