---
title: "How to use graphql with apollo client"
description: "Discover how to use graphql with apollo client with this in-depth guide, providing actionable insights and practical tips to boost your knowledge and results."
date: 2025-04-11
tags:
  - "graphql"
  - "with"
  - "apollo"
  - "client"
authors:
  - "Cojocaru David"
  - "ChatGPT"
slug: "how-to-use-graphql-with-apollo-client"
updatedDate: 2025-05-02
---

# How to Use GraphQL with Apollo Client: A Step-by-Step Guide  

Want to use GraphQL with Apollo Client in your project? Apollo Client simplifies data fetching, caching, and state management for GraphQL-powered applications. In this guide, you’ll learn how to set up Apollo Client, execute queries and mutations, and optimize performance with real-world examples.  

## Why Apollo Client is the Best Choice for GraphQL  

Apollo Client is a powerful state management library designed for GraphQL. Here’s why developers prefer it:  

- **Declarative data fetching** – Write queries directly in your components.  
- **Smart caching** – Reduces redundant API calls with a normalized cache.  
- **Real-time updates** – Supports GraphQL subscriptions for live data.  
- **Optimistic UI** – Instantly reflect changes before server confirmation.  
- **Error handling** – Built-in tools for graceful error management.  

> "Apollo Client turns GraphQL into a seamless experience, making data management intuitive and efficient."  

## Setting Up Apollo Client  

### Step 1: Install Required Packages  

Run this command to install Apollo Client and GraphQL:  

```bash  
npm install @apollo/client graphql  
```  

### Step 2: Initialize Apollo Client  

Configure the client with your GraphQL endpoint:  

```javascript  
import { ApolloClient, InMemoryCache } from "@apollo/client";  

const client = new ApolloClient({  
  uri: "https://your-api.com/graphql",  
  cache: new InMemoryCache(),  
});  
```  

- `uri` – Your GraphQL server URL.  
- `cache` – Uses `InMemoryCache` for efficient data storage.  

### Step 3: Wrap Your App with ApolloProvider  

Make the client available globally:  

```javascript  
import { ApolloProvider } from "@apollo/client";  

function App() {  
  return (  
    <ApolloProvider client={client}>  
      <YourApp />  
    </ApolloProvider>  
  );  
}  
```  

## Fetching Data with GraphQL Queries  

### Basic Query Example  

Use `useQuery` to fetch data:  

```javascript  
import { gql, useQuery } from "@apollo/client";  

const GET_USERS = gql`  
  query GetUsers {  
    users {  
      id  
      name  
      email  
    }  
  }  
`;  

function UsersList() {  
  const { loading, error, data } = useQuery(GET_USERS);  

  if (loading) return <p>Loading...</p>;  
  if (error) return <p>Error: {error.message}</p>;  

  return (  
    <ul>  
      {data?.users?.map((user) => (  
        <li key={user.id}>{user.name}</li>  
      ))}  
    </ul>  
  );  
}  
```  

### Dynamic Queries with Variables  

Pass variables for dynamic data:  

```javascript  
const GET_USER = gql`  
  query GetUser($id: ID!) {  
    user(id: $id) {  
      name  
      email  
    }  
  }  
`;  

function UserProfile({ userId }) {  
  const { loading, error, data } = useQuery(GET_USER, {  
    variables: { id: userId },  
  });  
  // Handle loading/error states  
}  
```  

## Modifying Data with Mutations  

### Basic Mutation Example  

Use `useMutation` to update data:  

```javascript  
const ADD_USER = gql`  
  mutation AddUser($name: String!, $email: String!) {  
    addUser(name: $name, email: $email) {  
      id  
      name  
    }  
  }  
`;  

function AddUserForm() {  
  const [addUser, { loading, error }] = useMutation(ADD_USER);  

  const handleSubmit = (name, email) => {  
    addUser({ variables: { name, email } });  
  };  
  // Form implementation  
}  
```  

### Optimistic UI Updates  

Improve responsiveness with optimistic responses:  

```javascript  
addUser({  
  variables: { name, email },  
  optimisticResponse: {  
    __typename: "Mutation",  
    addUser: {  
      __typename: "User",  
      id: "temp-id",  
      name,  
      email,  
    },  
  },  
});  
```  

## Advanced Features  

### Real-Time Data with Subscriptions  

Use `useSubscription` for live updates:  

```javascript  
const MESSAGES_SUBSCRIPTION = gql`  
  subscription OnMessageAdded {  
    messageAdded {  
      id  
      text  
    }  
  }  
`;  

function Chat() {  
  const { data } = useSubscription(MESSAGES_SUBSCRIPTION);  
  return <div>{data?.messageAdded?.text}</div>;  
}  
```  

## Best Practices for Performance  

- **Cache strategies** – Use `fetchPolicy` to control caching (`cache-first`, `network-only`).  
- **Error handling** – Implement global error handling with `ApolloLink`.  
- **Pagination** – Use `fetchMore` for large datasets.  
- **Fragments** – Reuse query segments for cleaner code.  

#GraphQL #ApolloClient #WebDevelopment #Frontend #StateManagement