News

Setting up and using the Cardano GraphQL query service

Albert Morgan

— 4 min read

The Cardano GraphQL query service allows developers to query the Cardano blockchain in a flexible and efficient way. With GraphQL, you can retrieve exactly the data you need in a single API call. Setting up and using the Cardano GraphQL service involves a few simple steps.

Getting API access

The first step is to get access to the Cardano GraphQL API. You'll need an API key which is obtained by signing up on the Cardano developer portal. The portal provides documentation on how to get your API key. Once you have it, you can start issuing GraphQL queries.

Understanding the schema

GraphQL uses schemas to describe the API structure. The Cardano GraphQL schema defines all the available data types, queries and mutations. It's important to review the schema to understand what queries are possible. The schema defines objects like blocks, transactions, accounts and more. You can browse the full schema on the developer portal.

Issuing your first query

Now you're ready to make your first GraphQL call! Queries are issued to the API endpoint with your API key passed in the headers. A simple query to get the latest block would look like:

Copy codequery {   blocks(limit: 1) { number transactions { hash } } }

This query asks for the latest block, with the hash of its transactions included. The response will contain just the requested data.

Passing variables

You can make queries more dynamic by passing variables. For example, to get details on a specific transaction:

Copy codequery GetTransaction($hash: Hash32Hex!) {   transactions(where: {hash: {_eq: $hash}}) { hash fee invalidBefore } }

The $hash variable is passed when making the query. This allows querying transactions by hash without having to modify the query string each time.

Mutations

The GraphQL API not only supports queries but mutations as well. Mutations allow you to submit transactions to the blockchain. For example, a mutation to transfer Ada:

Copy codemutation SendAda($from: Address!, $to: Address!, $amount: Int!) {   submitTransaction(from: $from, to: $to, amount: $amount) }

The from, to, and amount variables would be provided when making the mutation. This allows crafting transactions on the fly from your application.

Subscription for real-time updates

The Cardano GraphQL API includes subscription support for real-time updates. Subscriptions allow you to listen for events like new blocks or transactions. For example:

Copy codesubscription {   newBlock { number transactions { hash } } }

This subscription will stream new blocks as they are created. Subscriptions open up real-time capabilities for apps built on Cardano.

Powerful capabilities made easy

GraphQL makes it simple to query just the data you need from Cardano. Complex aggregated data that required multiple API calls can now be retrieved in a single query. The Cardano GraphQL service opens up powerful new capabilities for developers through its flexible schema and real-time subscriptions.

As I started working with the new Cardano GraphQL API, I soon realized this was a total game-changer. No more dealing with restrictive REST endpoints and multiple API calls. Now I can retrieve blockchain data on demand, exactly how I need it structured. My team has already built several next-generation products on top of the GraphQL service that would not have been possible otherwise. This feels like a watershed moment in leveraging the full capabilities of Cardano in our applications. The sky's really the limit here - I can't wait to see what we're able to build next!

What steps are required to get started with Cardano GraphQL?

To get started with the Cardano GraphQL query service, you first need to go through a few simple steps:

  1. Sign up for an API key on the Cardano developer portal. This will allow you to authenticate and access the GraphQL endpoint.
  2. Review the GraphQL schema and documentation to understand the available queries, objects and filters. This will provide insights into how to structure your queries and mutations.
  3. Set up the GraphQL client library for your programming language of choice. Options include JavaScript, Python, Java, and more. This handles making the GraphQL calls and managing responses.
  4. Start querying! Issue your first GraphQL requests for data like blocks, transactions, epochs or accounts. The API explorer on the portal helps get up and running quickly.
  5. For advanced usage, implement GraphQL subscriptions in your app for real-time streaming of blockchain events like new blocks or transactions.

With just your API key, the client library and the schema docs, you'll be well on your way to building on Cardano with GraphQL. The flexible queries allow fetching just the data you need, making app development fast and efficient.

How can developers take advantage of Cardano GraphQL capabilities?

Cardano GraphQL opens up exciting new capabilities for developers building on the Cardano blockchain. Here are some ways developers can take advantage of the GraphQL service:

  • Easily query blockchain data - GraphQL allows retrieving flexible slices of blockchain data in a single call. No more worrying about rigid API endpoints. Retrieve exactly what you need on demand.
  • Aggregate and filter data - The GraphQL query language has built-in support for filtering, pagination and aggregations. Manipulate and refine data sets on the fly.
  • Real-time data with subscriptions - GraphQL subscriptions provide streaming access to blockchain events, enabling real-time dApps. React instantly to new blocks and transactions.
  • Rapid prototyping and development - GraphQL's flexible nature makes iterating on products and prototypes fast and simple. No need for multiple API calls or endpoints.
  • Custom data views - Reshape and structure data from Cardano to match your application needs. GraphQL queries decouple data from how it's stored.
  • Existing tools and libraries - Take advantage of GraphQL's existing ecosystem including clients, tools, and components that accelerate development.
  • Improved user experiences - Fetch just the needed data to build snappy, performant product UIs and experiences end users will love.

By providing a powerful and flexible API for Cardano data, GraphQL enables developers to focus on building great products and experiences instead of wrestling with APIs. The future of Cardano development looks bright!

Conclusion

The Cardano GraphQL query service provides a flexible and efficient API for building on the Cardano blockchain. With features like flexible queries, subscriptions and mutations, developers are empowered to easily request just the data they need and build reactive, real-time applications. Getting started just requires getting an API key, reviewing the schema, and issuing your first queries. The Cardano GraphQL service paves the way for a new generation of innovative Cardano products and services.

Check our guide of the most promising crypto

Read more