Scalar Types in GraphQL

Introduction

In GraphQL, scalar types represent the basic data types that the API can use. Understanding these types is crucial for building effective GraphQL schemas and queries.

Scalar Types

GraphQL has the following built-in scalar types:

• Int: A signed 32-bit integer.
• Float: A signed double-precision floating-point value.
• String: A UTF-8 character sequence.
• Boolean: A true or false value.
• ID: A unique identifier, often used for refetching an object.

These types can be used directly in your GraphQL schema to define the shape of your data.

Usage of Scalar Types

Scalar types are used in GraphQL schemas to define fields in types or input types. Here's an example of how to define a GraphQL type using scalar types:

type User {
    id: ID!
    name: String!
    age: Int
    email: String
    isActive: Boolean!
}
                

In this example, the User type uses various scalar types to define its fields.

Best Practices

• Always use ID for unique identifiers to distinguish between objects.
• Use Boolean for binary states to simplify conditional logic.
• Prefer String for textual data, ensuring it is UTF-8 encoded.
• Be mindful of using Int and Float for numerical data, considering precision needs.

FAQ