Client-side query customization in GraphQL
Blog post from LogRocket
In the world of GraphQL, operations such as queries, mutations, and subscriptions are central, with query structures typically determined by the backend, which the client must follow. This setup can pose challenges when clients need to modify query structures or arguments, a situation addressed in a blog detailing a specific use case and solution. The blog describes a project where a team of developers, with limited backend support, chose Hasura to automate the creation of a GraphQL backend, allowing frontend developers to handle most tasks independently. However, they faced readability issues with complex query strings, prompting them to develop a solution using the graphql-tag library. They created a wrapper called hql-tag to transform query strings into a more readable format by manipulating their Abstract Syntax Trees (ASTs), ultimately improving readability and elegance without altering the backend. This approach, though specific to Hasura, offers potential for broader use in client-side query customization, enhancing readability and maintainability in large codebases. The blog suggests further development of this solution to incorporate additional features and support for other tools like GraphiQL and Apollo, while also highlighting the use of LogRocket for monitoring GraphQL requests in production for improved debugging and user experience.