GraphQL
GraphQL is a modern way to send and receive information between websites or apps and their backend systems. Think of it like a very efficient waiter at a restaurant - instead of bringing preset meals (like traditional APIs do), it lets clients ask for exactly what they want and nothing more. This makes websites and apps faster and more efficient. Created by Facebook (now Meta) in 2012, it's becoming an alternative to traditional REST APIs. Companies like GitHub, Shopify, and Twitter use GraphQL because it helps them deliver information more efficiently to their users.
Examples in Resumes
Developed customer portal using GraphQL to improve data loading efficiency by 40%
Built mobile app integration using GraphQL APIs for seamless data exchange
Led team transition from REST to GraphQL resulting in improved application performance
Typical job title: "GraphQL Developers"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find GraphQL Developers
Online Communities
Job Boards
Professional Networks
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How would you handle performance optimization in a GraphQL application?
Expected Answer: A senior developer should discuss caching strategies, batching requests, pagination methods, and ways to prevent over-fetching of data. They should also mention tools like DataLoader and explain how to handle N+1 query problems.
Q: Explain how you would implement authentication and authorization in a GraphQL API?
Expected Answer: They should describe different authentication methods (JWT, OAuth), how to secure different parts of the API, and handling user permissions at both the query and field levels.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What's the difference between REST and GraphQL, and when would you use each?
Expected Answer: Should explain how GraphQL allows getting multiple resources in a single request, while REST typically requires multiple endpoints. Should discuss scenarios where each approach might be more appropriate.
Q: How do you handle errors in GraphQL?
Expected Answer: Should discuss GraphQL's error handling mechanisms, including how to return both data and errors in responses, and different types of errors (syntax errors, validation errors, runtime errors).
Junior Level Questions
Q: What are the basic components of a GraphQL API?
Expected Answer: Should be able to explain queries (getting data), mutations (changing data), and schemas (defining what data looks like) in simple terms.
Q: How do you write a basic GraphQL query?
Expected Answer: Should demonstrate understanding of basic query syntax, how to request specific fields, and how to pass simple arguments to queries.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic GraphQL queries and mutations
- Understanding of schema basics
- Simple API integrations
- Basic error handling
Mid (2-4 years)
- Complex query optimization
- Authentication implementation
- Performance monitoring
- Integration with various databases
Senior (4+ years)
- Advanced schema design
- API security implementation
- Performance optimization
- Architecture planning and team leadership
Red Flags to Watch For
- No understanding of basic API concepts
- Cannot explain the difference between GraphQL and REST
- Lack of knowledge about data security
- No experience with real-world API development
- Unable to discuss performance considerations
Related Terms
Need more hiring wisdom? Check these out...
Lost in Translation? How a Hybrid Mentorship Database Bridges Cross-Regional Talent
Workforce Solutions Aggregators: The Next Big Thing You Didn't Know You Needed
From Passive to Active: Nurturing Candidates Over the Long Haul
