August 2022 Summaries

The choice between schema-first and code-only approaches to building a GraphQL server depends on the language used, type safety requirements, and team preferences. Schema-first involves defining the schema in a separate file (SDL) and writing resolvers that execute and return data at runtime, while code-only requires only writing resolvers with the types defined within the code itself. Both approaches have their pros and cons, and misconceptions about them should be addressed. The choice ultimately depends on the team's needs and preferences, and taking the time to compare tool sets and consider trade-offs is essential for making an informed decision.

You can quickly find what you need in your GraphQL schema with filters, which were recently added to the Schema Reference page in Apollo Studio. These filters allow you to browse and search your supergraph schemas more intuitively by subgraphs, tags, directives, arguments, and return types. You can also use text highlighting to easily see matching elements, and hints are provided when typing a word to suggest better results. Additionally, with the right permissions, you can view and filter by different tag names in the schema reference page. Finally, you can share your filter query with teammates to look at the same resulting schema elements.

The Apollo GraphQL Summit is offering diversity scholarships for the 2022 event. The initiative aims to build an inclusive team and bring together diverse perspectives to develop the supergraph. These scholarships are available for individuals from underrepresented tech groups, including women, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, disabled people, and those facing economic or social hardships. To apply, interested individuals must submit a form by August 29th, with awardees informed on September 2nd. The sponsorships are made possible through a joint effort with Apollo's sponsors, who can also support the scholarship program by reaching out to [email protected].

Apollo Kotlin has introduced a new multiplatform memory manager that simplifies concurrency and makes it easier to write native code. The new memory manager removes specific rules regarding multithreading and immutability, allowing native code to be written like JVM code when it comes to concurrency. This change will become the default starting with Kotlin 1.7.20 and is expected to improve performance by up to 45%. Developers who use Apollo Kotlin will need to switch to the new memory manager before upgrading to version 3.5.0, which also introduces improved unit testing capabilities and removes the requirement to run suspend functions from the Main thread on Apple targets. The change is part of Kotlin Multiplatform's ongoing evolution to make it easier to use.

GraphQL Summit 2022 is a must-attend event for anyone interested in learning and sharing best practices in the GraphQL space. With over 50 sessions, hands-on workshops, and a schedule that can be tailored to individual needs, attendees will have ample opportunities to supercharge their graph programs and forge connections with like-minded individuals. The event also promises to deliver inspiring keynotes, technical breakout sessions, and full-day workshops, as well as social activities such as the Graph & Brew at Stone Brewery. Taking place in sunny San Diego, GraphQL Summit 2022 is an ideal opportunity for teams to bond and uplevel their skills, with optional hands-on workshops available on the first day of the event. With a variety of speakers and industry experts, including those from leading enterprises like Netflix, attendees will have access to valuable insights and inspiration to drive digital transformation.