The Modern GraphQL Bootcamp (with Node.js and Apollo) Course Syllabus

Overview: This comprehensive bootcamp guides you through building modern GraphQL APIs using Node.js and Apollo. From schema design to deployment, you'll gain hands-on experience creating scalable, secure, and real-time APIs. With approximately 6 hours of structured content, this course blends theory and practice, culminating in a full-stack implementation. Perfect for developers looking to master GraphQL in real-world applications.

Module 1: GraphQL Fundamentals & Schema Design

Estimated time: 0.75 hours

• Understanding the GraphQL type system and schema language
• Defining object types, scalar types, and entry points (queries)
• Using enums and input types for structured data
• Designing clean and maintainable schema definitions

Module 2: Setting Up Your GraphQL Server

Estimated time: 1 hour

• Installing Apollo Server and initializing the GraphQL server
• Writing typeDefs and resolvers for basic schema implementation
• Connecting to a database (MongoDB/PostgreSQL) from resolvers
• Wiring resolver logic to fetch and return data

Module 3: Queries & Mutations

Estimated time: 1 hour

• Writing complex queries with arguments and aliases
• Using fragments for reusable field selections
• Implementing mutations for create, update, and delete operations
• Validating input with GraphQL input types and resolver logic

Module 4: Apollo Client & Front-End Integration

Estimated time: 1 hour

• Configuring Apollo Client in React or Vue applications
• Executing queries and mutations from the front end
• Managing local state with the Apollo cache
• Using useQuery and useMutation hooks for efficient data fetching

Module 5: Real-Time with Subscriptions

Estimated time: 0.75 hours

• Setting up WebSocket link for real-time communication
• Defining subscription types in the GraphQL schema
• Consuming live data updates in the front end using Apollo Client

Module 6: Advanced Schema Design & Tooling

Estimated time: 1 hour

• Implementing schema federation for microservices
• Understanding schema stitching and SDL-first approaches
• Using schema introspection for tooling and documentation

Module 7: Security, Performance & Monitoring

Estimated time: 0.75 hours

• Implementing authentication with JWT and OAuth
• Enforcing field-level authorization in resolvers
• Applying query complexity analysis and depth limiting
• Using persisted queries for performance and security

Module 8: Testing, Deployment & Best Practices

Estimated time: 0.75 hours

• Writing unit and integration tests for resolvers using Jest
• Testing Apollo Server with built-in testing utilities
• Deploying GraphQL servers to Heroku and AWS Lambda
• Integrating CI/CD pipelines for automated deployment

Prerequisites

• Familiarity with JavaScript or TypeScript
• Basic understanding of Node.js and npm
• Experience with REST APIs and databases (MongoDB or PostgreSQL preferred)

What You'll Be Able to Do After

• Design and implement a fully functional GraphQL schema
• Build a production-ready GraphQL server using Apollo Server
• Integrate GraphQL with front-end applications using Apollo Client
• Enable real-time data updates using GraphQL subscriptions
• Apply security, testing, and performance best practices in GraphQL APIs