Which API is preferable for handling backup of large datasets efficiently?

The Bulk API is specifically designed to handle the ingestion and extraction of large volumes of data efficiently, making it the ideal choice for performing backups of large datasets. It allows users to submit batches of records for processing, which is particularly useful when dealing with millions of records that need to be transferred to or from Salesforce.

This API operates asynchronously, meaning that it can process large data sets in the background without requiring immediate user interaction. This capability minimizes the impact on system performance and allows for a more efficient data upload or download process. The Bulk API can also handle records in a series of batches, optimizing the transfer of substantial data loads by allowing Salesforce to process records in a parallel manner.

Other APIs, while effective for different scenarios, are not as suited for bulk data operations. For instance, the REST API is generally recommended for smaller requests and real-time interactions. The SOAP API, while capable of handling larger requests than the REST API, still does not optimize for massive data transfers as effectively as the Bulk API. GraphQL API, being relatively newer and designed for querying data, primarily focuses on flexibility in data retrieval rather than efficient bulk operations.