Ruby Backends with GraphQL: How to Build a Modern API

Imagine you've just launched your startup and need to develop a mobile app that provides a seamless experience for your users. You know the backend is the backbone of the project, but the technology options are overwhelming. You wonder: What's the best way to structure the API to make it fast, flexible, and scalable?

If you're in this situation, or you're a developer looking for the best technology for your next app, combining Ruby and GraphQL is a modern solution that can make all the difference.

Why use Ruby in the backend?

Ruby is a programming language known for its elegant syntax and efficiency in web application development. Its ecosystem, led by Ruby on Rails, allows for the rapid creation of scalable applications. Companies like Shopify, GitHub, and Airbnb have relied on Ruby to develop their platforms, proving its robustness and capacity for growth.

What makes Ruby particularly attractive for the backend is its focus on developer productivity. With an active community and a large number of gems (libraries), it allows you to implement advanced functionality without having to reinvent the wheel.

GraphQL: The Revolution of Modern APIs

Traditionally, REST APIs have been the standard, but they have several drawbacks: inflexible data structures, redundant requests, and difficulties in versioning changes. That's where GraphQL comes in.

GraphQL is an API query language developed by Facebook in 2015. Its main advantage is the ability for clients to request exactly the data they need, eliminating over- and under-fetching of information. This results in a more efficient API, ideal for mobile applications that rely on fast, optimized responses.

Building a Modern API with Ruby and GraphQL

Integrating GraphQL into a Ruby backend is simple thanks to the graphql-ruby gem, which provides tools for defining schemas, resolving queries, and handling authentication.

Step 1: Set Up the Environment

If you're working with Ruby on Rails, the first step is to add the GraphQL gem to your project:

bundle add graphql
rails generate graphql:install

This will create a basic structure for handling queries and mutations.

Step 2: Define the Schema

In GraphQL, a schema defines the structure of the API. For example, if you're creating an API to manage products in a store, you might define it like this:

class Types::ProductType < Types::BaseObject
field :id, ID, null: false
field :name, String, null: false
field :price, Float, null: false
end

This allows clients to query product-specific information.

Step 3: Resolve Queries

For GraphQL to return data, we need to define resolvers:

class Resolvers::ProductResolver < GraphQL::Schema::Resolver
type [Types::ProductType], null: false
def resolve
Product.all
end
end

So, a GraphQL query might look like this:

{
products {
id
name
price
}
}

This would return only the specified fields, optimizing API performance.

Step 4: Implement Mutations

GraphQL allows you to manipulate data with mutations. If you want to allow users to create new products, you can define a mutation:

class Mutations::CreateProduct < Mutations::BaseMutation
argument :name, String, required: true
argument :price, Float, required: true

type Types::ProductType

def resolve(name:, price:)
Product.create!(name: name, price: price)
end
end

This allows clients to submit a request to create a product without receiving unnecessary information.

Benefits of Using GraphQL with Ruby in Mobile Apps

• Increased Efficiency: Mobile apps require speed, and GraphQL reduces the amount of data transferred.
• Flexibility: It allows apps to request only the data they need, avoiding unnecessary responses.
• Seamless Evolution: GraphQL allows you to change the API structure without affecting legacy clients, unlike REST.
• Better Development Experience: Ruby and GraphQL together make it easier to create robust and scalable APIs.

Success Stories and Adoption

Many companies have adopted GraphQL with Ruby to improve the efficiency of their services. For example, GitHub migrated its API to GraphQL, enabling faster and more customizable queries. Another notable company, Shopify, used GraphQL to improve the experience of developers integrating its API, achieving better performance optimization.

Is Ruby and GraphQL the Ideal Solution for Your App?

If you're looking for a modern backend technology for your mobile app, combining Ruby and GraphQL is a powerful option. It not only optimizes API performance but also facilitates project scalability.

At Rootstack, we have Ruby and GraphQL experts who can help you build a flexible, efficient, and future-proof API. Contact us today and take your mobile app to the next level!

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