GraphQL on Swift: Building Modern APIs for iOS and macOS

Modern development for iOS and macOS requires flexible and efficient solutions for working with data. REST API is giving way to a more powerful and predictable tool — GraphQL. This book is your practical guide to implementing GraphQL in the Apple ecosystem, written specifically for Swift developers.

The book starts with the very basics: you will learn what GraphQL is, how it differs from REST, and why it has become the standard for many modern applications. Then you will dive into setting up the server-side part on Swift using Vapor, learning how to design schemas, types, and resolvers. Special attention is paid to client integration: you will master working with the Apollo iOS framework — from basic queries to complex mutations and subscriptions.

The book covers real-world cases: how to organize caching, handle errors and pagination, how to test GraphQL queries in Xcode, and how to optimize application performance. You will learn how to use GraphQL in conjunction with Core Data and SwiftUI, as well as how to ensure data security and manage loading states.

Additionally, the book covers advanced topics: creating custom middleware, working with files via GraphQL, implementing real-time updates through WebSockets, and integration with Combine. Each chapter contains practical code examples that can be immediately applied in a project.

Who is this book for?

• iOS and macOS developers who want to master a modern approach to API
• Backend developers on Swift who want to create efficient server solutions
• Fullstack specialists working with the Apple ecosystem
• Everyone who already uses REST and wants to switch to a more flexible protocol

What will you learn?

• How to design a GraphQL schema for a mobile application
• How to integrate Apollo iOS into a project and configure code generation
• How to handle errors, cache data, and manage subscriptions
• How to test GraphQL queries and write unit tests
• How to optimize performance and avoid common mistakes
• How to combine GraphQL with SwiftUI and Combine for a reactive UI

The book is written in a lively language, with a large number of illustrations and ready-made examples. It is suitable both for beginners who are just getting acquainted with GraphQL, and for experienced developers who want to deepen their knowledge. After reading, you will be able to confidently implement GraphQL in your projects and create APIs that are easy to scale and maintain.

Get ready for your applications to become faster, your code cleaner, and your interaction with the server more transparent. GraphQL on Swift is not just a technology, it is a new level of development.