Introduction to GraphQL

GraphQL is an open-source data query and manipulation language for APIs that is rapidly growing in popularity. Meta created it as an internal project to address REST API limitations such as over-fetching, under-fetching, numerous endpoints and round trip API calls.

Instead of the multiple endpoints design implemented in REST, GraphQL provides a single all-encompassing endpoint. You can use GraphQL to wrap multiple REST API endpoints under a single GraphQL API and specify output requirements to prevent information from being over-fetched or under-fetched.

In this module, you will be introduced to GraphQL. You will gain a better understanding of the differences between REST API and GraphQL. Players will also learn how to build their own GraphQL APIs using Node.js and Apollo as well as learn how to consume the Moralis NFT REST API in their GraphQL API. This will guide players along in their journey in understanding how to work with modern APIs.

Let’s go!