Getting started with GraphQL
In this tutorial-style introduction to GraphQL, you'll learn the core concepts that power every GraphQL API. Follow a step-by-step path from basic queries to advanced features.
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Lesson 1IntroductionGet a high-level overview of GraphQL and how it enables flexible, versionless APIs powered by a strong type system.
Lesson 2Schemas and TypesLearn how GraphQL’s schema language defines the shape of your data using types.
Lesson 3QueriesUnderstand how to structure GraphQL queries to request exactly the data you need — including fields, variables and fragments.
Lesson 4MutationsExplore how to modify data with mutations, including how to update and remove records through your schema.
Lesson 5SubscriptionsDiscover how GraphQL supports real-time data with subscriptions and how to use them effectively at scale.
Lesson 6ValidationSee how GraphQL ensures query correctness through validation rules and how common errors are detected early.
Lesson 7ExecutionLearn how resolvers power GraphQL execution and how the server processes and returns data for each query.
Lesson 8ResponseExplore how GraphQL structures its responses, including data, errors and extensions for custom metadata.
Lesson 9IntrospectionUse introspection to explore the schema itself — a powerful way to inspect types and fields dynamically.
Practical guidelines
Here you'll explore real-world strategies for designing and operating GraphQL APIs. These guides will help you build for scale and safety.
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Lesson 1Thinking In GraphsLearn how to shift your mindset from RESTful endpoints to graph-based thinking, aligning your schema with business logic and legacy systems.
Lesson 2Serving Over HttpExplore how GraphQL operates over HTTP, including methods, headers, status codes and API endpoint design.
Lesson 3File UploadsHandle file uploads in GraphQL by wrapping them as mutations. Learn the recommended approach for integrating file handling into your API.
Lesson 4AuthorizationUnderstand how to secure your GraphQL APIs with type- and field-level authorization patterns.
Lesson 5PaginationDiscover different pagination strategies in GraphQL, from simple slicing to fully connected edges and nodes.
Lesson 6Schema DesignLearn how to design clear, adaptable schemas — including versioning and thoughtful use of nullability.
Lesson 7Global Object IdentificationUse globally unique IDs and the Node interface to enable caching, refetching, and efficient schema traversal.
Lesson 8CachingExplore caching techniques and ID strategies that make client-side performance and object reuse more effective.
Lesson 9PerformanceGet practical tips for improving GraphQL performance — from preventing N+1 problems to monitoring and compression.
Lesson 10SecurityProtect your GraphQL API with best practices for query limits, input validation, introspection control and more.
Lesson 11FederationLearn how GraphQL federation enables modular, scalable APIs by composing services into a unified schema.
Lesson 12Common GraphQL over HTTP ErrorsLearn about common 'graphql-http' errors and how to debug them.
Training Courses
Get started or level up your GraphQL skills with these trusted tutorials.
GraphQL-JS tutorial
Step-by-step guide to building schemas and executing queries with GraphQL.js.
Apollo Odyssey
Interactive courses for building GraphQL applications with Apollo's toolset.
Yoga GraphQL Server Tutorial
Open source tutorial for creating modern GraphQL Servers in Node, CF Workers, Deno and others.
GraphQL Tutorials
Real World Fullstack GraphQL tutorials for developers by Hasura.
Common questions
Find answers to the most common questions about GraphQL — from getting started to advanced use cases. This also covers frontend concerns and info about the official specification.