Getting Started with GraphQL and React Native

In 2012, Facebook engineer Nick Schrock initiated a project, initially dubbed "SuperGraph," to transition away from an outdated, unsupported partner API powering Facebook's News Feed. This prototype eventually contributed significantly to the development of GraphQL, a now-popular open-source query language.

Facebook defines GraphQL as a "query language for your API and a runtime for fulfilling those queries with your existing data." Essentially, it's a REST alternative gaining traction. Unlike REST, which typically requires multiple endpoint requests to gather data, GraphQL lets developers send a single query specifying their precise data needs.

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Key Highlights:

• GraphQL provides a dynamic and efficient method for API queries, enabling single queries that precisely define data requirements, unlike REST's multiple endpoint requests.
• Project setup requires basic React Native and Expo knowledge. Detailed instructions are provided for dependency installation and environment configuration.
• This tutorial demonstrates GraphQL integration within a React Native app by building a simple coffee bean comparison application. It uses Apollo Client and other libraries to fetch and display data.
• The tutorial explores GraphQL's query features, such as arguments, aliases, and variables, showcasing how to customize queries for specific data needs, improving data retrieval flexibility and efficiency.
• Data management in the React Native app is streamlined using the Context API, enabling efficient state passing and access throughout the component hierarchy without prop drilling.

Prerequisites:

This tutorial assumes basic React Native knowledge and familiarity with the Expo environment. You'll need the Expo client installed on your mobile device or a compatible simulator. Installation instructions are available here.

Project Overview:

This tutorial showcases GraphQL's power in React Native by creating a coffee bean comparison app. A base template, built using Expo, is provided to simplify the process and focus on GraphQL features.

To begin, clone this repository and switch to the "getting-started" branch:

git clone https://github.com/jamiemaison/graphql-coffee-comparison.git
cd graphql-coffee-comparison
git checkout getting-started

This branch includes basic views and initial dependencies:

git clone https://github.com/jamiemaison/graphql-coffee-comparison.git
cd graphql-coffee-comparison
git checkout getting-started

Next, install dependencies (ensure Node v11.10.1 is installed):

{
  "expo": "^32.0.0",
  "react": "16.5.0",
  "react-native": "https://github.com/expo/react-native/archive/sdk-32.0.0.tar.gz",
  "react-navigation": "^3.6.1"
}

To integrate GraphQL, install additional dependencies:

npm install

These dependencies include:

• apollo-boost: Simplified GraphQL setup for React/React Native.
• react-apollo: Integrates GraphQL with the Apollo client.
• graphql-tag: Parses GraphQL queries using template literals.
• graphql: The JavaScript GraphQL reference implementation.

After installation, run npm start. The Expo window should appear, and launching the app (via simulator or device) should display a screen similar to this:

The app features two screens (managed by react-navigation): Home.js and CoffeePage.js. Home.js displays a FlatList of coffee beans. Selecting a bean navigates to CoffeePage.js for detailed information. The following sections will populate these views with GraphQL data.

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