GraphQL is a query language and runtime for executing queries against an API. It was developed by Facebook in 2012 and later open-sourced in 2015. Unlike traditional REST APIs, which expose a fixed set of endpoints and return predefined data structures, GraphQL allows clients to specify the exact data they need and retrieve it in a single request.
-
Declarative Data Fetching: Clients can request specific fields of data from the server, allowing them to retrieve only the data they need and avoid over-fetching or under-fetching.
-
Strongly Typed Schema: GraphQL APIs are defined by a schema that describes the available types of data and the operations that can be performed on them. This schema is strongly typed, providing clear documentation and validation of API requests and responses.
-
Hierarchical Structure: Queries in GraphQL have a hierarchical structure, allowing clients to specify nested fields and retrieve related data in a single request.
-
Real-time Updates: GraphQL supports subscriptions, allowing clients to subscribe to real-time updates from the server and receive notifications when data changes.
Before learning GraphQL, it's beneficial to have the following skills:
-
Understanding of RESTful APIs: Familiarity with the concepts of RESTful APIs, including endpoints, HTTP methods, and response formats.
-
Basic Programming Knowledge: Understanding of programming fundamentals such as variables, data types, functions, and control structures.
-
Knowledge of JavaScript or a Similar Language: Proficiency in JavaScript or a similar language (e.g., TypeScript, Python) is helpful, as GraphQL is often used in conjunction with these languages on the client and server sides.
-
Understanding of JSON: Familiarity with JSON (JavaScript Object Notation), as it is commonly used for data exchange in GraphQL APIs.
By learning GraphQL, you gain the following skills:
-
Efficient Data Fetching: Ability to fetch data more efficiently by specifying exactly what data you need from the server.
-
Declarative Data Querying: Skill in writing declarative queries that describe the data requirements, leading to more concise and readable code.
-
Schema Design: Understanding of schema design principles for defining types, queries, mutations, and subscriptions in GraphQL schemas.
-
Server-Side Development: Knowledge of building GraphQL APIs on the server side using frameworks such as Apollo Server, GraphQL Yoga, or Express with GraphQL middleware.
Contact US
Get in touch with us and we'll get back to you as soon as possible
Disclaimer: All the technology or course names, logos, and certification titles we use are their respective owners' property. The firm, service, or product names on the website are solely for identification purposes. We do not own, endorse or have the copyright of any brand/logo/name in any manner. Few graphics on our website are freely available on public domains.
