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API Design

GraphQL API Response JSON Example

A real-world JSON example of a GraphQL API response — including nested data, pagination with cursors, null errors field, and extensions for request tracing. Follows the GraphQL specification response format.

{
  "data": {
    "user": {
      "id": "usr_9k2mXpQr4t",
      "name": "Ravi Mehta",
      "email": "ravi.mehta@example.com",
      "posts": {
        "totalCount": 12,
        "pageInfo": {
          "hasNextPage": true,
          "hasPreviousPage": false,
          "startCursor": "cursor_xyz789",
          "endCursor": "cursor_abc123"
        },
        "edges": [
          {
            "cursor": "cursor_xyz789",
            "node": {
              "id": "post_1",
              "title": "Getting Started with GraphQL",
              "publishedAt": "2025-01-10T10:00:00Z",
              "tags": [
                "graphql",
                "api"
              ]
            }
          }
        ]
      }
    }
  },
  "errors": null,
  "extensions": {
    "requestId": "req_qA8mZ2",
    "duration": 42,
    "complexity": 8
  }
}

Field Reference

dataobject | nullrequiredThe result of the GraphQL query. null if errors prevented execution.
errorsarray | nulloptionalArray of error objects if any field resolution failed. null when successful.
extensionsobjectoptionalProtocol extensions: request IDs, tracing, complexity scores.
data.user.posts.pageInfoobjectrequiredRelay-style cursor pagination info for the connection.
data.user.posts.pageInfo.hasNextPagebooleanrequiredWhether more items exist after endCursor.
data.user.posts.edges[].cursorstringrequiredOpaque cursor for this specific edge — used in after: argument.
data.user.posts.edges[].nodeobjectrequiredThe actual data object for this edge.

Variants

With errorsGraphQL partial response — data for resolved fields, errors for failed ones
With errors
{
  "data": {
    "user": {
      "id": "usr_9k2mXpQr4t",
      "name": "Ravi Mehta",
      "posts": null
    }
  },
  "errors": [
    {
      "message": "You do not have permission to view posts for this user",
      "locations": [
        {
          "line": 4,
          "column": 5
        }
      ],
      "path": [
        "user",
        "posts"
      ],
      "extensions": {
        "code": "FORBIDDEN"
      }
    }
  ]
}

Common Use Cases

  • →Building GraphQL client code that handles both data and errors correctly
  • →Mocking a GraphQL server for frontend development without a backend
  • →Understanding Relay-spec cursor-based pagination for infinite scroll
  • →Writing integration tests that assert on response shape and field values
  • →Documenting your GraphQL API with concrete response examples
GraphQLAPIpaginationcursorresponse formatREST alternative

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Frequently Asked Questions

The GraphQL spec separates HTTP transport from operation success. A 200 response means the HTTP layer worked. The errors array in the body tells you whether the GraphQL operation succeeded. This lets you return partial data — some fields resolved, others errored — in a single response.

If data is null, a non-recoverable error occurred before any field could be resolved. If data contains fields but errors is populated, it's a partial response — some fields resolved successfully and others failed. Always check both data and errors in your client code.

Offset pagination (skip: 20, take: 10) breaks when items are added or removed during pagination. Cursor pagination uses a stable pointer to a specific item — after: 'cursor_abc' always returns items after that item regardless of insertions. Relay's Connection spec formalizes cursor pagination with edges, nodes, and pageInfo.

Extensions is a free-form map for non-standard metadata. Common uses: requestId for distributed tracing, duration for performance monitoring, complexity for rate limiting by query cost, and cacheControl for per-field cache hints. The spec reserves this field specifically so clients and servers can extend GraphQL without breaking the spec.

Related JSON Examples

API DesignREST API ResponseGeneric REST API response wrapper with data payload, status, and pagination meta.API DesignPagination ResponsePaginated list response JSON with offset, cursor, total, and navigation links.API DesignError ResponseREST API error JSON with status code, machine-readable error code, and validation details.