Using Next.js with GraphQL: A Step-by-Step Guide
Learn how to use Next.js with GraphQL and understand how to create a GraphQL API and integrate it with your Next.js application.
Introduction to GraphQL
GraphQL is a query language for APIs that allows clients to specify exactly what data they need. In this tutorial, we will learn how to use Next.js with GraphQL.
Step 1: Creating a GraphQL API
First, let's create a new GraphQL API using the apollo-server package:
npm install apollo-server
Then, create a new file called schema.js in the api directory:
// api/schema.js
const { gql } = require('apollo-server');
const typeDefs = gql`
type Query {
hello: String!
}
`;
module.exports = typeDefs;
Step 2: Creating a GraphQL Client
Next, let's create a new GraphQL client using the apollo-client package:
npm install apollo-client
Then, create a new file called client.js in the lib directory:
// lib/client.js
import { ApolloClient } from 'apollo-client';
import { InMemoryCache } from 'apollo-cache-inmemory';
const client = new ApolloClient({
cache: new InMemoryCache(),
uri: 'http://localhost:4000/graphql',
});
export default client;
Step 3: Integrating the GraphQL API with Next.js
Finally, let's integrate the GraphQL API with our Next.js application. Create a new file called index.js in the pages directory:
// pages/index.js
import { useState } from 'react';
import client from '../lib/client';
function Home() {
const [hello, setHello] = useState('');
const handleQuery = async () => {
const { data } = await client.query({
query: gql`query {
hello
}`,
});
setHello(data.hello);
};
return (
<div>
<h1>{hello}</h1>
<button onClick={handleQuery}>Query GraphQL API</button>
</div>
);
}
export default Home;
This will query the GraphQL API and display the result on the page.