GraphQL Mutation That Accepts An Array of Dynamic Size and Common Scalar Types in One Request
Ever found yourself in a situation where you needed to send multiple data items from different types in a single GraphQL mutation request? In this article, we'll explore how you can achieve this with GraphQL by creating a mutation that accepts an array of dynamic size containing common scalar types like strings, integers, floats, and more.
First things first, let's understand why you might need to send an array of varying data types in a GraphQL mutation. Imagine you are working on an e-commerce platform where users can rate multiple products at once. Instead of making separate requests for each product rating, you can use a single mutation to streamline the process.
To create a GraphQL mutation that accepts an array with varying data types, you'll need to define your custom input type in the GraphQL schema. This input type will represent the structure of the array you want to send. Let's see how this can be done:
input DynamicArrayInput {
data: [SomeScalarType!]!
}In the above snippet, we define an input type called `DynamicArrayInput`, which contains a field called `data` representing an array of `SomeScalarType`. You can replace `SomeScalarType` with the specific scalar types you need, such as `String`, `Int`, `Float`, or custom scalar types.
Next, you'll create your mutation that takes the `DynamicArrayInput` as an argument:
type Mutation {
updateMultipleItems(input: DynamicArrayInput!): Boolean
}In this example, the `updateMultipleItems` mutation accepts an argument of type `DynamicArrayInput`, which we defined earlier. The mutation can now receive an array of dynamic size containing the specified scalar types.
To test the mutation, you can use a GraphQL client like Apollo Client or GraphiQL. Here's an example mutation request:
mutation {
updateMultipleItems(input: { data: ["value1", 42, 3.14] })
}In the above mutation, we are sending an array of strings, an integer, and a float as input data. The GraphQL server will receive this request, and you can handle the array processing logic in the resolver function corresponding to the `updateMultipleItems` mutation.
Remember to handle the array validation and processing in your backend logic to ensure that the data conforms to your application's requirements. You can iterate over the array elements and perform the necessary operations based on their types.
By implementing a GraphQL mutation that accepts an array of dynamic size with common scalar types in one request, you can simplify your data input process and enhance the efficiency of your application. Experiment with different scalar types and data structures to tailor the solution to your specific use case.
In conclusion, GraphQL provides the flexibility to handle complex data requirements efficiently, allowing you to create powerful mutations that streamline your API interactions. Embrace the versatility of GraphQL to build robust and user-friendly applications with ease.