Putting the Graph In GraphQL With The Neo4j GraphQL Library

What if you could build a high-performance GraphQL API without writing a single resolver? See how to solve the N+1 problem by pairing GraphQL with a graph database.

#1about 3 minutes

Understanding graph databases and the Cypher query language

Graph databases like Neo4j model data as nodes and relationships, which can be queried using the declarative Cypher language.

#2about 6 minutes

Querying connected data with Cypher in Neo4j Browser

A practical demonstration shows how to write Cypher queries to find nodes, traverse relationships, and implement business logic like recommendations.

#3about 7 minutes

Exploring GraphQL as an API query language

GraphQL provides a typed API layer that allows clients to request exactly the data they need through introspection and a flexible selection set.

#4about 8 minutes

Comparing the roles of Cypher and GraphQL

Cypher is a powerful database query language with graph-specific functions, while GraphQL is an API layer for defining data shapes and traversals.

#5about 6 minutes

The challenges of building GraphQL APIs with resolvers

Building GraphQL APIs involves writing resolver functions for data fetching, which can lead to the N+1 query problem and inefficient database access.

#6about 3 minutes

Solving API challenges with the Neo4j GraphQL Library

The Neo4j GraphQL library automatically generates a full CRUD API from type definitions, translating GraphQL requests into a single Cypher query to avoid the N+1 problem.

#7about 4 minutes

Live demo of generating an API with the library

A code demonstration shows how to use schema directives to define custom logic and watch the library translate a nested GraphQL query into a single, efficient Cypher query.

#8about 2 minutes

Resources for learning more about Neo4j and GraphQL

A summary of available resources for further learning, including the official library documentation, online courses, books, and livestreams.

#9about 7 minutes

Q&A on graph databases, custom resolvers, and security

The speaker answers audience questions about integrating graph databases with relational systems, adding custom resolvers, and securing APIs with JSON Web Tokens.