Upgrade Joystream's GraphQL Playground For Better Performance

Nov 17, 2025 by Alex Johnson 62 views

Upgrade Joystream's GraphQL Playground for Enhanced Performance

Joystream's current GraphQL setup utilizes an outdated version of the GraphQL Playground. This article delves into the specifics of the issue, explores the implications of using an older version, and proposes potential solutions to optimize performance and user experience. We'll explore the current state, potential alternatives, and address the known tooltip regression issue. Let's dive in and improve the efficiency of Joystream's GraphQL interface.

The Problem: Outdated GraphQL Playground

The primary concern lies in Joystream's reliance on an outdated version of the GraphQL Playground. The current implementation lags behind the latest advancements in GraphQL tooling. The deployed GraphQL Playground, hasn't seen an update since 2019, which is a significant period in the fast-paced world of web development. This means Joystream users are missing out on newer features, performance improvements, and security patches available in more recent versions. The outdated version poses several challenges, including performance bottlenecks, lack of support for modern GraphQL features, and potential security vulnerabilities. Keeping up-to-date with the latest versions of libraries is important for maintaining optimal performance and security of the platform. By updating, we can improve the user experience and ensure the platform is compatible with the latest advancements in the GraphQL ecosystem.

Version Details and Dependencies

Examining the project's dependencies reveals the specific versions in use. The yarn.lock file indicates the use of type-graphql ^1.1.1. The node_modules directory contains further details on the dependencies. Some key dependencies are listed below. This will provide more clarity on the precise versions of the GraphQL libraries and tools that are being used.

../joystream/query-node/codegen/yarn.lock:    type-graphql "^1.1.1"

../joystream/query-node/codegen/node_modules/type-graphql/package.json:    "@apollo/federation": "^0.20.4",
../joystream/query-node/codegen/node_modules/type-graphql/package.json:    "@apollo/gateway": "^0.21.0",
../joystream/query-node/codegen/node_modules/type-graphql/package.json:    "apollo-cache-control": "^0.11.3",
../joystream/query-node/codegen/node_modules/type-graphql/package.json:    "apollo-server": "^2.18.1",
../joystream/query-node/codegen/node_modules/type-graphql/package.json:    "graphql": "^15.3.0"
../joystream/query-node/codegen/node_modules/type-graphql/package.json:    "graphql-query-complexity": "^0.7.0",
../joystream/query-node/codegen/node_modules/type-graphql/package.json:    "graphql-redis-subscriptions": "^2.3.1",
../joystream/query-node/codegen/node_modules/type-graphql/package.json:    "graphql-tag": "^2.11.0",
../joystream/query-node/codegen/node_modules/type-graphql/package.json:    "graphql-subscriptions": "^1.1.0",
../joystream/query-node/codegen/node_modules/type-graphql/package.json:    "@graphql-modules/core": "^0.7.17",

The versions of graphql (v15.3.0) and other related packages are behind the current stable versions. This can lead to compatibility issues and missed opportunities for performance enhancements.

Alternatives to GraphQL Playground

Considering the limitations of the current setup, exploring alternative solutions is essential. The goal is to identify tools that offer better performance, enhanced features, and a more modern user experience. Below are some potential alternatives that could be implemented to replace the outdated GraphQL Playground.

GraphiQL

GraphiQL is a popular, in-browser IDE for exploring GraphQL APIs. It provides features like syntax highlighting, autocompletion, and real-time error reporting. GraphiQL is actively maintained and has a vibrant community. Moreover, its integration with the Monaco editor since version 5 enhances the editing experience, making it a viable replacement. GraphiQL's intuitive interface and robust features make it an excellent choice for interacting with GraphQL APIs.

GraphiQL.app

GraphiQL.app offers a desktop application wrapper for GraphiQL based on Electron. This allows users to access GraphiQL as a standalone application, enhancing the user experience. The desktop application provides a more streamlined and focused environment for working with GraphQL APIs. It is a good option for users who want a dedicated interface for their GraphQL explorations.

Yoga Server and Hive

Yoga Server, along with Hive, from The Guild, provides a comprehensive solution for GraphQL development. Hive is a managed GraphQL platform that offers features like schema registry, analytics, and performance monitoring. By integrating Yoga Server and Hive, Joystream can benefit from improved performance, better API management, and advanced monitoring capabilities. This combination offers a robust and scalable solution for managing GraphQL APIs, making it a good choice for larger projects.

PostGraphile

PostGraphile is a powerful tool that automatically generates a GraphQL API from a PostgreSQL database. It drastically reduces the effort required to build and maintain a GraphQL backend. If Joystream uses a PostgreSQL database, PostGraphile could significantly simplify the GraphQL implementation. By automatically generating the API, PostGraphile can save time and effort while ensuring the GraphQL API is always in sync with the database schema. This simplifies the development process and allows developers to focus on other parts of the platform.

Addressing the Tooltip Regression

One of the known issues with the current GraphQL Playground is the tooltip regression. The editor experiences a visual bug where tooltips fail to disappear, which can obstruct the user interface. This is due to the deprecation of Mutation Events, which are used by the tooltip functionality. Chrome will disable these events by default starting around July 30, 2024, which will exacerbate the issue.

Solutions

Manual Removal: Users can manually remove the tooltips to mitigate the issue. This involves inspecting the HTML and removing the elements with the class CodeMirror-hint-information. However, this is a temporary fix and not a sustainable solution.
Patching Modules: The provided patch, which is available in the GitHub repository, offers a more permanent solution. By applying this patch, the developers can update the necessary modules to correct the tooltip behavior. This is the recommended solution as it addresses the root cause of the issue.

Importance of Addressing the Regression

Addressing the tooltip regression is important for maintaining a positive user experience. The visual obstruction caused by the tooltips can disrupt the workflow and make it difficult for users to interact with the interface effectively. By implementing the patch, or migrating to a different GraphQL interface, developers can ensure that the user interface is clean, functional, and user-friendly.

Conclusion: Upgrading for a Better GraphQL Experience

In conclusion, upgrading the GraphQL Playground is essential for Joystream. By switching to a more modern tool or by implementing the suggested patches, Joystream can improve its performance, ensure compatibility with modern features, and provide a better user experience. The alternatives discussed offer various advantages that can address the current issues. Addressing the tooltip regression and updating the underlying dependencies are important steps to ensure the platform’s performance and usability. By taking these actions, Joystream can provide a more efficient and user-friendly experience for all users.

For more information on GraphQL, check out the official GraphQL website here.