What is GraphQL?
GraphQL is a query and manipulation language for APIs. GraphQL provides a flexible and intuitive syntax to describe data requirements and interactions. It enables developers to ask for exactly what is needed and get back predictable results. It also makes it possible to access many sources in a single request, reducing the number of network calls and bandwidth requirements, therefore saving battery life and CPU cycles consumed by applications.
Making updates to data is made simple with mutations, allowing developers to describe how the data should change. GraphQL also facilitates quick set up of real-time solutions via subscriptions. All of these features combined, coupled with powerful developer tools, make GraphQL essential to managing application data.
How to GraphQL on AWS?
Front-End Developer Guide Series for Building on AWS with AWS AppSync
8-part guide series containing step-by-step tutorials for front-end developers building full-stack apps on AWS with AWS AppSync.
Why use GraphQL?
GraphQL can be used to build modern web and mobile applications faster by simplifying data management. Developers can query and retrieve multiple pieces of information across different sources in a single network request, ensuring faster response times even on slow connections. In a GraphQL request, developers can specify how to structure the data when it is returned by the server. This makes it possible for to query only the data needed, in the format needed.
When to use GraphQL?
GraphQL is applicable to all types of mobile and web applications across industries, verticals, and categories where the apps require data from multiple sources, real-time data updates, and offline capabilities. Here are some examples of apps that can particularly benefit from being built with GraphQL:
Real-time applications
Data driven applications
Mobile backends
Looking for a fully managed GraphQL service? Explore AWS AppSync
AWS AppSync is an enterprise level, fully managed serverless GraphQL service with real-time data synchronization and offline programming features. AppSync makes it easy to build data driven mobile and web applications by securely handling all the application data management tasks such as real-time and offline data access, data synchronization, and data manipulation across multiple data sources.
Read Quick Start documentation