From Zero to Hero: Getting Started with GraphQL, Strapi and Next.js 16 Part 2

In this detailed guide, Paul Bratslavsky outlines the second installment of a four-part series focused on building with GraphQL, Strapi v5, and Next.js 16. The article builds upon the project from Part 1 by delving into advanced backend customization using Strapi's GraphQL plugin. It introduces a note-taking model with two content types, Note and Tag, and explores the full range of the GraphQL plugin's customization APIs. The guide walks through setting up middleware and policies, selectively disabling parts of Shadow CRUD, and adding custom queries and mutations. It also explains how to implement computed fields to the Note type, creating new object types for aggregate responses, and integrating middlewares and policies to enforce data access rules. The article emphasizes the use of Strapi's Document Service for data access and provides a detailed explanation of using Nexus to define GraphQL schemas programmatically. Finally, the guide ensures that developers can validate their setup using the Apollo Sandbox, preparing them for Part 3, which will focus on integrating this backend with a Next.js frontend using Apollo Client.