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What is GraphQL

GraphQL is a query language and runtime for APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) that was developed by Facebook and later open-sourced in 2015. GraphQL allows clients to specify the shape and structure of the data they require, enabling efficient data fetching and reducing the need for multiple round trips to the server. This approach makes it particularly well-suited for applications with complex data requirements, such as those found in modern web and mobile apps. Additionally, GraphQL’s introspective nature allows clients to explore and understand the capabilities of the API, making it easier to work with and adapt to changing requirements....

Why GraphQL

In the traditional method of using the RESTful approach, we request specific data points which often leads to over-fetching or can sometimes lead to under-fetching. The GraphQL declarative method (we mention the fields we need from the server) of data fetching significantly improves performance over a REST API. For example, consider a webpage that displays the shelter names of pets in the shelter and we also want to get the name of the pet and its image....

How to Integrate GraphQL APIs into Your React.js Projects

There are generally three ways to integrate GraphQL APIs into a React.js Project. These are:...

Step 1: Set Up a React Application

Open your command prompt or terminal and type the below command. The below command will create a  basic react app for us with the basic configurations to help us get started...

Step 2: Install Required Packages

To get GraphQL talking to your React app, we’ll use a handy helper called Apollo Client. It’s like a translator for GraphQL and React, making life easier....

Step 3: Using Apollo, Configure the Apollo Client

Note: This step is only needed for the Apollo Client method, not for Fetch API or Axios....

Step 4: Create GraphQL Queries

To write our GraphQL questions or queries use the gql tag from the graphql package. It is like writing a clear request for the data you need. Here’s an example, Let’s create a simple query to fetch a list of users...

Step 5: Fetch Data in React Components

Apollo Client Method...

Step 6: Display Data in Your React App

You have to import the UserList or other components that use GraphQL API into your react application to display the fetched data....

Step 7: Run Your Application

Run npm start in your terminal or command prompt to start your react application and check if it properly fetches and displays the data from the GraphQL API....

Conclusion

Congratulations you have successfully integrated GraphQL API with your React js application using Apollo Client. You can now leverage the power of GraphQL in dealing with APIs and efficiently manage your react components for different APIs. The integration of GraphQL helps in creating more efficient web applications. By adapting GraphQL into your React.js projects you are using the latest popular technology in API querying....

FAQs

Why use GraphQL over traditional REST APIs?...