Breaking Free from GraphQL: Introducing MiniQL
When it comes to building a project, we’ve all heard the phrase “don’t reinvent the wheel.” But what if the wheel doesn’t quite fit your needs? In this article, we’ll explore the story of MiniQL, a lightweight, JSON-based query language inspired by GraphQL.
The Problem with GraphQL
GraphQL is an amazing tool, but it can be cumbersome. It requires a data schema, which can be a hurdle for fast-paced startups. Creating and updating a schema can be a daunting task, especially when working with multiple microservices. Additionally, GraphQL adds an extra language to your tech stack, which can lead to complexity and extra training for developers.
The Birth of MiniQL
I wanted to use GraphQL, but it didn’t fit my startup’s needs. So, I decided to create a simplified version that would allow me to easily manage data retrieval and updates. MiniQL was born in a single weekend, and it’s been evolving ever since.
What is MiniQL?
MiniQL is a tiny, flexible query language that allows you to easily create and execute queries. It’s designed to be simple, with no built-in concept of a schema. You can use it to retrieve optimized or minimal data, or get all the data you need. MiniQL delegates features to the query resolver, making it easy to implement custom database or data format plugins.
How Does MiniQL Work?
MiniQL works by executing JSON queries against a user-defined query resolver. The resolver is responsible for retrieving data from your chosen data source, and MiniQL organizes the data as requested by the query.
Aims of MiniQL
MiniQL aims to be tiny, yet very flexible. It’s designed to make it easy to create and execute queries, and to allow for easy implementation of custom query resolvers. MiniQL also supports retrieving optimized or minimal data, as well as getting all the data you need.
Reinventing the Wheel
Reinventing the wheel can be a good thing. It allows for innovation and evolution, and sometimes even revolution. But it’s essential to consider the reasons why you’re reinventing something and the value you’re getting from it. If a project becomes too difficult, don’t be afraid to drop it.
Try MiniQL Today
MiniQL is open-source and available on GitHub. You can try it out and see how it can simplify your data management and retrieval. Who knows, you might just find that it’s the perfect fit for your project.