Welcome to a tutorial where we delve into the realm of building an Express-based GraphQL API powered by MongoDB. This guide will navigate you through the process of creating a robust API from scratch, incorporating user authentication, email verification, and multilingual support. Let’s embark on this journey together!

Prerequisites

• Basic knowledge of JavaScript and Node.js.
• Familiarity with MongoDB databases.
• Ensure you have Node.js and Yarn installed on your machine.

Setting Up Your Project

We will utilize Yarn workspaces along with Lerna for package management. Follow these steps:

bash
cd workspaces/api
cp .env.example .env

Installing Nodemon

Nodemon is a popular tool that automatically restarts your Node application when file changes are detected. This keeps your workflow smooth and efficient.

bash
yarn global add nodemon

Starting the API

Once all the setup is done, you can kickstart your API with the following command:

bash
yarn start

Structure of the Project

The project is structured into multiple directories and files for better maintenance. Here’s a brief overview:

• graphql: Contains the GraphQL schema and types.
• i18next: Manages internationalization with language files.
• middleware: Holds authentication and other middleware functionalities.
• module: Includes modules for user services and mail handling.
• view: Consists of email templates for user interactions.

Understanding the Code: An Analogy

Imagine you’re a chef in a vast kitchen—each component of this boilerplate is like a different utensil or ingredient in your kitchen arsenal. Just like a chef selects the right tool to create a dish, you will pick and configure the right packages to craft a fully functioning API. For instance:

• Express: Your cooking pot, crucial for simulating a server.
• MongoDB: The storage pantry, where all your ingredients (data) are kept fresh and organized.
• GraphQL: The recipe book, allowing you to request precisely what you need without excess fuss.
• JWT (jsonwebtoken): The security lock on your pantry, ensuring only authorized chefs (users) can access your valuable ingredients.

Queries and Mutations

The powerful GraphQL API allows you to perform various operations. Here’s an example mutation for signing in:

graphql
mutation signIn($email: String!, $password: String!) {
  signIn(email: $email, password: $password) {
    accessToken
  }
}

Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues while setting up or running your API, here are some common queries and fixes:

• Environment Variables: Ensure all necessary environment variables are defined in your .env file.
• Database Connection: Verify your MongoDB service is running, and update the connection string in your configuration.
• Nodemon Issues: If Nodemon fails to restart, ensure you have properly added it as a global package.

For more insights, updates, or to collaborate on AI development projects, stay connected with fxis.ai.

Conclusion

Congratulations on journeying through the setup of the Express GraphQL MongoDB boilerplate! At fxis.ai, we believe that such advancements are crucial for the future of AI, as they enable more comprehensive and effective solutions. Our team is continually exploring new methodologies to push the envelope in artificial intelligence, ensuring that our clients benefit from the latest technological innovations.

With the boilerplate established, you’re all set to build more features and refine your API. Happy coding!