Resolving ctx Issues in Next.js with Apollo and GraphQL on SSR

Discover how to fix the empty context problem in Next.js with Apollo and GraphQL during server-side rendering (SSR) for better state management.
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Resolving ctx Issues in Next.js with Apollo and GraphQL on SSR

When developing applications with Next.js, especially when integrating Apollo and GraphQL, it's not uncommon to encounter issues with the server-side rendering (SSR) context. A common problem faced by developers is the ctx being empty when using getServerSideProps. In this guide, we are going to dig deep into the root cause of this issue, and provide a systematic solution to resolve it.

Understanding the Problem

In an application leveraging Next.js and Apollo Client for GraphQL management, developers might notice that when using the getServerSideProps method, the context (ctx) can appear empty within resolver functions. This can lead to complications if you are expecting to have access to certain properties, such as the database connection, which are normally initialized in the context.

Here's a quick recap of our example scenario:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

In the above snippet, we expect ctx to carry some properties, but logging it shows an empty object ({}). This poses a challenge, especially when the aim is to run your GraphQL queries or mutations effectively within the SSR context.

Why is ctx Empty When Using getServerSideProps?

The root cause of the empty ctx can be traced back to how the Apollo Server context is defined and utilized. The context of Apollo Server is responsible for providing the necessary properties to your resolvers and it should be properly linked with the Next.js getServerSideProps method. Simply initializing the Apollo Client without properly structuring the resolver context can lead to uninitialized properties within your queries.

Step-by-Step Solution

Let's walk through the necessary steps to ensure that the context is correctly populated when using Apollo with Next.js on SSR.

Step 1: Define the contextResolver

To begin with, you need to create a context resolver that will add properties like your database connection to the context object:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Step 2: Update Your Apollo Server Configuration

Next, you'll need to make sure the Apollo Server is using this context resolver:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Step 3: Adjust getServerSideProps to Use contextResolver

Finally, update the implementation of getServerSideProps to make use of the context resolver prior to initializing the Apollo Client:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Conclusion

By following the steps outlined above, you will ensure that the ctx is not empty when working within getServerSideProps. This will ultimately facilitate smoother data fetching processes through your GraphQL queries, leveraging the power of SSR in your Next.js applications.

By applying a structured context resolver and making the appropriate adjustments to your Apollo Client setup, you can effectively manage state and provide a seamless user experience.

Final Thoughts

Integrating various parts of a modern web application can sometimes lead to unforeseen issues, but understanding how each part communicates can make all the difference. With these adjustments, the benefits of using Next.js with Apollo and GraphQL can be fully realized, enhancing the performance and efficiency of your application.

Happy coding!

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