Understanding GraphQL

GraphQL is a data query and manipulation language. Its revolutionary design pattern allows applications to define precisely what data they need, giving rise to a more efficient and robust mechanism for fetching data.

In contrast to the traditional REST approach, which can often require loading from multiple URLs, GraphQL APIs get all the data your app needs in a single request. This enables apps using GraphQL to be fast and stable, even on slow mobile network connections.

Single Request, Multiple Responses

Instead of having to make multiple trips to fetch data from different endpoints as in REST APIs, GraphQL allows you to send a single query to the server and get a response that includes everything you need.

Selective Data Fetching

With GraphQL, you get to describe what you want, not what you don't want. It lets clients specify exactly what data they need, making it easier to avoid over-fetching or under-fetching of data. This leads to significant network and performance benefits.

Strong Typing

GraphQL queries are executed within the context of a system of types defined by the schema. This type system helps to ensure that the API is predictable and that the client is capable of issuing meaningful error messages when things go wrong.

Interactive Documentation

The GraphQL schema serves as the contract for client-server communication. It enables interactive, in-browser GraphQL IDEs, like GraphiQL or GraphQL Playground, providing instant feedback and documentation for the API.

In the Context of TBInt API

Given the complex and vast data structures that our API handles, GraphQL allows us to extract just the required data efficiently. For example, with REST, you might have to decide what you don't want to deal with data overload. However, with GraphQL, you simply state what you need.

The TBInt API leverages the power of GraphQL for accurate and efficient data transfer. While our GraphQL endpoint might look like a single endpoint, it encapsulates an extensive range of capabilities - from querying vast amounts of data through 'queries', to modifying this data through 'mutations'.

Whether it's about getting the details of a single item (item) or fetching an array of items with their prices (ItemsWithPrices), GraphQL empowers you to construct the query as per your requirements, ensuring optimal performance and data utilization.