Using Resolver Maps

After learning how to use Resolvers to resolve data all that is left to organize them for query execution. Resolver Maps help define the GraphQL API by mapping Resolvers to the appropriate field (or Abstract Type in the case of Type Resolvers). The idea of Resolver Maps has been covered by Apollo and graphql-tools. With the Resolver Map format it is easier to see how Resolvers are applied to a GraphQLSchema and executed with a GraphQL handler.

Here is an example of a mapping between a GraphQL Schema and Resolvers via a Resolver Map.

GraphQL Schema

schema {
  query: Query
}

type Query {
  media: [Media!]!
}

union Media = Movie | TV;

type Movie {
  title: String!
  director: String!
}

type Tv {
  title: String!
  network: String!
}

Resolver Map

const resolverMap = {
  Query: {
    movies: queryMoviesFieldResolver,
  },

  Movie: {
    title: movieTitleFieldResolver,
    director: movieDirectorFieldResolver,
  },

  Tv: {
    title: tvTitleFieldResolver,
    network: tvNetworkFieldResolver,
  },

  // Media is represented by the "Media" Union Type (an abstract type)
  Media: {
    // This is a special case for resolving Abstract Types (Union and Interfaces)
    // Providing the `__resolveType` key to specify the the Type Type Resolver
    __resolveType: mediaAbstractTypeResolver,
  },
};

The first level within a resolverMap object represents the GraphQL Type which has a value of an object. This next level object refers the field name referencing a Field Resolver or in the case that the type is an Abstract type (Union or Interface) the key is __resolveType and points to a Type Resolver. In this example the resolver functions are references to resolver functions would could be provided inline or imported from elsewhere.

It should also be noted that "gaps" in a Resolver Map are covered by the default field resolver or the default type resolver in the case of type resolvers for Unions and Interfaces.

Modifying the Resolver Map Surface Area

Resolver Maps have a direct impact on how Resolvers are organized and executed. If there was a way to make adaptive changes to the Resolver Map, as a primitive, it would mean being able to swap and modify the Resolver Map surface area for various mocking and test scenarios. These methods are covered by Resolver Map Middlewares and are part of the core concepts of graphql-mocks and what creates

Additional Resources

The Apollo docs provide some great examples on Resovler Maps, Resolvers and the execution flow of GraphQL. Much of this documentation also applies in the goal of mocking GraphQL.

Modifying the Resolver Map Surface Area​

Additional Resources​

Modifying the Resolver Map Surface Area

Additional Resources