GraphQL

A powerful query language for your API, with schema introspection and visual query building.

What is GraphQL?

GraphQL is a query language and runtime for APIs. Unlike REST where you call fixed endpoints, GraphQL lets you ask for exactly what you need - no more, no less. You describe what data you want, and the server returns precisely that structure.

Key Benefits
  • • Precise Data Fetching - Get only what you need, no over-fetching
  • • Single Request - Fetch related data in one query
  • • Strongly Typed - Schema defines exactly what's available
  • • Self-Documenting - Schema is queryable (introspection)

GraphQL vs REST

GraphQL
# Single endpoint
POST /graphql
# Query for specific fields
{ user(id: 1) { name, email } }
  • • Single endpoint for all data
  • • Client specifies shape of response
  • • No over-fetching or under-fetching
REST
# Multiple endpoints
GET /users/1
GET /users/1/posts
GET /users/1/friends
  • • Multiple endpoints per resource
  • • Server decides response shape
  • • May need multiple requests

Operation Types

GraphQL has three types of operations:

queryRead Data

Fetch data from the server. Equivalent to GET in REST.

query {
users { id name email }
}
mutationModify Data

Create, update, or delete data. Equivalent to POST/PUT/DELETE in REST.

mutation {
createUser(name: "John") { id name }
}
subscriptionReal-time Updates

Listen for real-time data changes. Uses WebSocket connection.

subscription {
messageAdded { id content author }
}

Tigrister's GraphQL Features

Tigrister provides a complete GraphQL development environment:

Schema Introspection

Automatically fetches and displays the GraphQL schema. Browse types, fields, and arguments in an interactive tree view.

Visual Query Builder

Select fields from the schema to automatically generate queries. No need to type queries manually - just click checkboxes.

Syntax Highlighting

Full GraphQL syntax highlighting in the query editor. Write queries manually with proper formatting support.

Authentication Support

Full auth support including Bearer tokens, Basic auth, and API keys. Same authentication options as HTTP requests.

Variables Editor

JSON editor for query variables with validation and formatting. Keep your queries clean by extracting dynamic values.

Schema Search

Search through schema fields instantly. Matching fields are highlighted and their parent nodes auto-expand.

SSE ProtocolThe Interface