Softonic

GraphQL Query Builder

Step 1 / 2
Arguments
Build query

Writing a GraphQL operation by hand means keeping braces, arguments and indentation straight. This builder assembles the document for you: choose query, mutation or subscription, name the operation, set the root field, add arguments and list the fields you need. It returns a formatted operation you can paste straight into Apollo, urql or GraphiQL.

How to build a GraphQL operation

  1. 1

    Choose the operation type

    Pick query, mutation or subscription from the dropdown. This defines the kind of operation the server runs.

  2. 2

    Name the operation

    Give it a name such as GetUser so the server can log and cache it. The name is optional; the builder works without it.

  3. 3

    Set the root field

    Type the field you want to call, for example user, createPost or orderUpdated.

  4. 4

    Add arguments

    Add key-value pairs such as id: "123" or id: $id. Rows with an empty key are skipped.

  5. 5

    List the fields and copy

    Type one field per line, build the query and copy the formatted document to your clipboard.

Working with GraphQL documents

A GraphQL document is a set of one or more operations plus any fragments they reference. Each operation names a root field from the Query, Mutation or Subscription type, and the server resolves the selection set you request. The builder writes the operation text for you, but it does not know your schema, so check every field and argument name against your API before running the operation.

Operation anatomy

Part Purpose Example
Operation type Query, mutation or subscription query, mutation, subscription
Operation name Used for caching and logs GetUserById
Arguments Values passed to the root field user(id: "123")
Selection set Fields and nested selections { user(id: "123") { name posts { title } } }
Variables Typed inputs declared with the operation name query GetUser($id: ID!) { user(id: $id) { name } }

Common pitfalls

  • Required variables end with !. Forgetting it on arguments marked NonNull in the schema produces a validation error before the resolver runs.
  • String arguments need quotes. A value such as 123 is a number; a text value must be written "123" with double quotes inside the argument row.
  • Union and interface types require ... on TypeName inline fragments to read type-specific fields.
  • Aliasing is mandatory when you request the same field twice with different arguments, for example today: stats(period: DAY) and week: stats(period: WEEK).
  • Connections (Relay spec) expose edges { node { ... } } and pageInfo { endCursor hasNextPage }; skipping either breaks pagination.

Tips

  • Keep operations small and named so Apollo Client can cache them individually.
  • Pass changing values as variables instead of literals so the server parses the document once and reuses it; declare them next to the operation name, for example query GetUser($id: ID!).
  • If a field needs several arguments, write them in one argument row separated by commas, for example filter: { status: ACTIVE } as the value.
  • The builder emits exactly the text you configure. If an operation fails, first compare your field names with the current schema.

Frequently Asked Questions

No. It only formats the text you provide; there is no endpoint to call and no schema is required. Fill in the operation parts and the builder assembles the document for you.

Yes. Use the operation dropdown to switch between query, mutation and subscription. Everything else works the same: name, root field, arguments and fields.

Add rows in the arguments section. The key is the argument name and the value is what you pass, for example id: “123” or id: $id. Rows with an empty key are ignored. If you type a variable such as $id, declare it yourself next to the operation name, for example query GetUser($id: ID!).

The builder emits the text exactly as you typed it. The error usually means a field or argument name does not match your server schema: compare the root field and every field name with your API and fix the spelling.

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