Choose Between REST API and MQTT API

REST is a representational state transfer architectural style designed as a request/response model that communicates over HTTP. MQTT is a publish/subscribe model that runs over TCP/IP sockets or WebSockets. MQTT over WebSockets can be secured with SSL. You can choose to update data to a ThingSpeak™ channel either using a REST GET or POST request or using MQTT Publish method. You retrieve channel data using a REST GET request or MQTT Subscribe.

When to Use REST

In these scenarios, it is useful to use REST calls to update or retrieve data from a ThingSpeak channel.

• You need to retrieve any historical data, such as data within a defined time range.

• You want to Create Channel, Read Settings, Clear Channel, Delete Channel, or Create Chart.

• You need a response for your GET or POST request.

When to Use MQTT

In these scenarios, it is useful to use MQTT to update data to a ThingSpeak channel.

• Your device is power-constrained, and you want lower battery consumption to send data to ThingSpeak. Also, an MQTT PUBLISH operation is typically faster in this scenario.

• Your device connectivity is intermittent, and you have limited bandwidth usage.

• You want immediate updates of data posted to a channel.

• You want messages pushed to you instead of needing to poll the server for new messages.