The Hidden Challenges of Using GraphQL with a CMS
When it comes to building applications with GraphQL, it’s essential to consider the implications of integrating it with a Content Management System (CMS) like WordPress. While GraphQL provides a powerful layer of data fetching, it can sometimes impose its own way of working, conflicting with the CMS’s natural behavior. In this article, we’ll explore the challenges that arise when using GraphQL with a CMS and discuss potential solutions to overcome them.
The Problem of Nested Data
One common issue is handling nested data, such as menus with multiple levels of subitems or comments with responses. GraphQL queries need to account for these nested levels, which can lead to rigid query structures that don’t adapt well to changes made by site administrators through the CMS. For instance, if a site admin adds an extra level to a menu, the GraphQL query needs to be updated manually, which can be time-consuming and may require developer intervention.
Workarounds for Nested Data
To address this issue, we can employ several strategies:
- Create a larger initial GraphQL query structure: Design the GraphQL query to fetch more levels than initially needed, allowing for future additions without requiring code updates.
- Use a recursive fragment: Although not possible with the current GraphQL spec, this approach would involve having a recursive fragment that applies to children elements until reaching the leaf nodes.
- Relax nesting in the query: Instead of using nested queries, create a single field that produces a structured JSONObject with all menu data, including all levels and sublevels.
The Challenge of Dynamic Elements
Another challenge arises when dealing with dynamic elements, such as settings menus or meta values, which are driven by user input and stored in the database. In these cases, the GraphQL schema needs to be flexible enough to accommodate changes made by site administrators.
Approaches to Handling Dynamic Elements
Two popular GraphQL servers for WordPress, WPGraphQL and the GraphQL API for WordPress, take different approaches to handling dynamic elements:
- WPGraphQL: Maps settings under a special type, GeneralSettings, with predetermined fields. This approach is opinionated and requires extending the schema for additional options.
- GraphQL API for WordPress: Uses a single option field that receives the name of the option, allowing for more flexibility but losing strong typing.
A Possible Solution: Automatically Generating the GraphQL API
One potential solution is to generate the GraphQL API automatically from user input, including data entered by site administrators into the CMS. This approach would eliminate the need for developer intervention and preserve GraphQL’s strict typing. However, implementing this solution is complex, especially when working with SDL-first GraphQL servers or code-first servers that require customization for specific CMSs.
The Future of GraphQL and CMS Integration
As we move forward, it’s essential to consider the challenges of integrating GraphQL with CMSs and explore solutions that balance flexibility with strong typing. By doing so, we can unlock the full potential of GraphQL and create more efficient, scalable, and maintainable applications.