From Zero to GraphQL Hero: Consuming APIs with Powershell - Mike Preston - PSConfEU 2023

In this conference session, the speaker, Mike Preston from Rubrik, discusses his experience with consuming GraphQL APIs and shares tips and tricks on how to effectively use GraphQL in PowerShell. The speaker starts by explaining what GraphQL is and its benefits compared to REST APIs. GraphQL is a query language that allows interaction via APIs and allows for fetching exactly what is needed through a single request. It solves problems like overfetching in REST by specifying only the required data. The speaker then covers various topics such as querying and mutating data, passing arguments, and defining queries using variables in GraphQL. They also demonstrate how to use PowerShell to query data from the SpaceX API using the runGQL function. The speaker emphasizes the importance of using aliasing and introspection to improve querying and explore available fields within a GraphQL API. They introduce GraphiQL, a tool that facilitates exploring the schema and running queries directly within the tool. The speaker also discusses the PSGraphQL module, which simplifies working with GraphQL in PowerShell. They mention an ongoing project with Jake Robinson to create a PowerShell module that connects to a GraphQL endpoint and generates queries based on the schema. The speaker demonstrates connecting to the SpaceX and Barcelona transit public APIs using this module. They also mention using extensions for GraphQL development, such as syntax highlighting and language support. The session concludes with a Q&A session, where the speaker addresses questions about paging with large data sets in GraphQL and standardized error responses. The speaker expresses gratitude to the attendees and asks for feedback on the information shared.