GraphQL is reshaping data on the web. Whether you are building APIs or just requesting data from them, GraphQL is quickly becoming a “must-have” skill for front-end developers. In this talk, we'll introduce some of the key concepts and motivations which explain the rise of GraphQL, as well as some real-world practical advice for transitioning to a GraphQL mindset.
Part I: Introduction to GraphQL and its Ecosystem
As front-end developers we have come to expect the frustrations that come with APIs on the web. REST endpoints with too much or too little data make it impossible to fetch just the data we need on the page. Constantly changing product requirements too often result in a version-less API soup, and working with documentation that’s completely up-to-date is a luxury only available to the lucky few. Learn how GraphQL solves these problems and generally improves our lives as frontend devs, as well as the suite of amazing tools that have arisen around it.
Part II: Developing a GraphQL Mindset
Transitioning to GraphQL will bring you tears of joy, but like any new technology it comes with some new challenges. In this session, we'll explore the practicalities of building web apps with GraphQL. We'll share some best-practices, common patterns, and things to watch out for as you take GraphQL into production.
Tim Hingston & James Baxley III
Normally found in his garden tending his bees or chickens, James Baxley is a believer in cultivating happy and healthy communities. He is a lover of design systems, all things JavaScript and fixing old land rovers. James works as an Open Source Engineer at Apollo from his home in South Carolina.
Tim Hingston is an industry veteran full-stack developer. He has been leading application teams across desktop, mobile and web for years, and is currently helping to build developer tools for GraphQL @ Apollo. Tim is a happily expatriated American now living near Byron Bay, Australia.