GraphQL Playground
LiveWrite and execute GraphQL queries with variables, headers, and response viewer.
Execute a query to see results...
Understanding GraphQL Query Language
GraphQL is a query language for APIs that lets clients request exactly the data they need in a single round trip. Unlike REST where each endpoint returns a fixed data shape, GraphQL exposes a typed schema and clients compose queries that specify fields, nested relationships, arguments, and fragments. This eliminates both over-fetching (receiving unwanted fields) and under-fetching (needing multiple requests). Mutations handle write operations, subscriptions enable real-time updates, and introspection lets tools auto-discover the entire API surface.
A full-featured GraphQL client in your browser. Write queries and mutations, set variables and HTTP headers, send requests to any GraphQL endpoint, and view formatted JSON responses. Supports query syntax highlighting and variable interpolation.
The Devkitr GraphQL Playground provides a full-featured IDE for writing, executing, and exploring GraphQL APIs. Enter your endpoint URL, write queries with autocomplete powered by schema introspection, set variables and headers, execute operations, and browse the type system through an interactive schema explorer — all without installing desktop software or CLI tools.
In a typical development workflow, GraphQL Playground becomes valuable whenever you need to write and execute graphql queries with variables, headers, and response viewer. Whether you are working on a personal side project, maintaining production applications for a company, or collaborating with a distributed team across time zones, having a reliable browser-based inspection tool eliminates the need to install desktop software, write one-off scripts, or send data to third-party services that may log or retain your information. Since GraphQL Playground processes everything locally on your device, your data stays private and your workflow stays uninterrupted — open a browser tab, paste your input, get your result.
Key Features
Schema-Aware Autocomplete
Introspects the GraphQL endpoint to provide intelligent field suggestions, argument hints, and type information as you write queries.
Variable and Header Management
Define query variables as JSON and set custom HTTP headers (authorization tokens, API keys) in dedicated panels separate from the query editor.
Interactive Schema Browser
Explore the complete type system — queries, mutations, subscriptions, types, enums, and interfaces — through a navigable documentation panel.
Multi-Tab Query Editor
Work on multiple queries simultaneously in separate tabs, making it easy to test related operations without losing previous work.
How to Use GraphQL Playground
Set the GraphQL Endpoint
Enter the URL of your GraphQL API (typically ending in /graphql) and add any required authentication headers.
Explore the Schema
Browse the schema documentation panel to understand available queries, mutations, types, and their field structures.
Write and Execute Queries
Compose queries using the autocomplete editor. Define variables in the variables panel and click execute to run the operation.
Inspect the Response
Review the JSON response data, check for GraphQL errors in the errors array, and verify the data shape matches your expectations.
Use Cases
Frontend Data Requirements Planning
Explore the available schema and test different query shapes to determine the optimal data fetching strategy before writing frontend code.
Testing Mutations and Side Effects
Execute create, update, and delete mutations with different variable inputs to verify backend business logic and validation rules.
Debugging Query Performance
Test complex queries with nested relationships and fragments to identify N+1 query problems or resolver bottlenecks on the backend.
Onboarding to a New GraphQL API
Browse the introspected schema to understand the full API surface, available types, and query patterns without reading external documentation.
Pro Tips
Use GraphQL fragments to reuse field selections across multiple queries — this keeps queries DRY and ensures consistent data shapes.
Always use named queries (query GetUser) instead of anonymous queries for better debugging, logging, and persisted query support.
Leverage the __typename field in polymorphic queries to identify which concrete type was returned for union and interface types.
Test pagination by querying with first/after or limit/offset arguments to verify cursor-based and offset-based pagination implementations.
Common Pitfalls
Requesting all fields on types with many properties
Fix: GraphQL's strength is selecting only needed fields. Requesting everything defeats the purpose and can trigger expensive resolvers. Always specify exactly the fields you need.
Ignoring the errors array in GraphQL responses
Fix: GraphQL returns HTTP 200 even when queries partially fail. Always check the errors array alongside data — partial errors contain field-level failure information.
Not setting authentication headers before querying
Fix: Most production GraphQL APIs require authorization. Set Bearer token or API key headers in the headers panel before executing queries that access protected data.
Frequently Asked Questions
QCan I send mutations?
Yes. Write any valid GraphQL operation — queries, mutations, and subscriptions (HTTP-based).
QDoes it support authentication?
Yes. Add Authorization headers (Bearer tokens, API keys) in the Headers section before sending.
QCan I use variables?
Yes. Define variables as JSON in the Variables panel and reference them in your query with $variableName syntax.
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