What is GraphQL?
GraphQL is a flexible query language for APIs, giving you precise control over what data you retrieve from a server. Unlike traditional REST APIs where you hit different endpoints for different data, GraphQL lets you fetch exactly what you want in one request. Nothing more, nothing less.Why use GraphQL:
- Efficiency: Ask for only the data you need.
- Flexibility: Fetch multiple related resources in a single request.
- Ease of Use: Simple, intuitive queries that return predictable results.
How GraphQL queries work (a quick primer):
Once your account has been authenticated, it’s time to build your first GraphQL query! Here’s how a basic query is structured:Basic GraphQL query structure:
- Starting with a query or mutation keyword: Queries fetch data; mutations modify it.
- Specifying the fields you want: You choose which fields to return, cutting down on unnecessary data.
- Sending a request: The API will return just the data you asked for.
- We’re asking for all check requests from your organisation.
- We’re requesting specific fields:
uuid
,externalId
,progressStatus
, and the associated applicant’scompleteName
.