HttpGraphQlTester Doesn't Work With ArgumentValue

Mar 12, 2025 by ADMIN 50 views

**HttpGraphQlTester Doesn't Work with ArgumentValue: A Spring, GraphQL, and Java Conundrum**

Introduction

In the realm of Spring, GraphQL, and Java, testing is an essential aspect of ensuring the robustness and reliability of our applications. However, when it comes to testing GraphQL mutations with argument values, we often encounter issues that can be frustrating to resolve. In this article, we will delve into the problem of HttpGraphQlTester not working with ArgumentValue and explore possible solutions to overcome this hurdle.

The Problem

When defining a mutation to update an image object, we often encounter issues when trying to test it using HttpGraphQlTester. The mutation might look like this:

mutation updateImage($input: UpdateImageInput!) {
    updateImage(input: $input) {
        ...Image
    }
}

The UpdateImageInput might look like this:

input UpdateImageInput {
    id: ID!
    name: String
    description: String
}

However, when we try to test this mutation using HttpGraphQlTester, we might encounter issues when passing the ArgumentValue for the input field. The ArgumentValue might look like this:

ArgumentValue input = ArgumentValue.input()
        .name("input")
        .value(new InputObjectValue(
                new MapValue(
                        ImmutableMap.of(
                                "id", ArgumentValue.id().value("image-id"),
                                "name", ArgumentValue.string().value("image-name"),
                                "description", ArgumentValue.string().value("image-description")
                        )
                )
        ));

The Issue with ArgumentValue

The issue with ArgumentValue is that it does not support nested objects or lists. When we try to pass a nested object or list as an argument value, HttpGraphQlTester throws an exception. This is because ArgumentValue is designed to work with simple types like String, Int, Boolean, etc., but not with complex types like InputObjectValue or ListValue.

Possible Solutions

To overcome this issue, we can use the following possible solutions:

1. Use a Custom ArgumentValue

We can create a custom ArgumentValue class that supports nested objects or lists. This class can be used to pass complex argument values to the HttpGraphQlTester.

public class CustomArgumentValue extends ArgumentValue {
    public CustomArgumentValue(String name, Object value) {
        super(name, value);
    }
public static CustomArgumentValue input(String name, Object value) {
    return new CustomArgumentValue(name, value);
}

public static CustomArgumentValue id(String name, String value) {
    return new CustomArgumentValue(name, value);
}

public static CustomArgumentValue string(String name, String value) {
    return new CustomArgumentValue(name, value);
}

public static CustomArgumentValue list(String name, List&lt;Object&gt; value) {
    return new CustomArgumentValue(name, value);
}

}

We can then use this custom ArgumentValue class to pass the UpdateImageInput argument value:

ArgumentValue input = CustomArgumentValue.input("input", new InputObjectValue(
        new MapValue(
                ImmutableMap.of(
                        "id", CustomArgumentValue.id("id", "image-id"),
                        "name", CustomArgumentValue.string("name", "image-name"),
                        "description", CustomArgumentValue.string("description", "image-description")
                )
        )
));

2. Use a GraphQL Schema to Define the Argument Value

We can define the UpdateImageInput argument value as a GraphQL schema. This schema can be used to validate the argument value and ensure that it conforms to the expected format.

input UpdateImageInput {
    id: ID!
    name: String
    description: String
}

We can then use the GraphQLSchema class to validate the argument value:

GraphQLSchema schema = new GraphQLSchema(
        new GraphQLObjectType("UpdateImageInput", new GraphQLFieldDefinition(
                "id", new GraphQLNonNull(GraphQLID),
                new GraphQLFieldDefinition(
                        "name", new GraphQLNonNull(GraphQLString),
                        new GraphQLFieldDefinition(
                                "description", new GraphQLNonNull(GraphQLString)
                        )
                )
        )
));
ArgumentValue input = ArgumentValue.input("input")
.value(new InputObjectValue(
new MapValue(
ImmutableMap.of(
"id", ArgumentValue.id().value("image-id"),
"name", ArgumentValue.string().value("image-name"),
"description", ArgumentValue.string().value("image-description")
)
)
));
schema.validate(input);

Conclusion

In conclusion, the HttpGraphQlTester does not work with ArgumentValue when passing complex argument values like nested objects or lists. However, we can use custom ArgumentValue classes or GraphQL schemas to validate and pass these complex argument values. By using these solutions, we can ensure that our GraphQL mutations are tested correctly and that our applications are robust and reliable.

References

GraphQL Java Documentation
HttpGraphQlTester Documentation
GraphQL Schema Documentation
HttpGraphQlTester Doesn't Work with ArgumentValue: A Spring, GraphQL, and Java Conundrum ===========================================================

Q&A: Troubleshooting HttpGraphQlTester with ArgumentValue

Q: What is the issue with HttpGraphQlTester and ArgumentValue? A: The issue with HttpGraphQlTester and ArgumentValue is that ArgumentValue does not support nested objects or lists. When we try to pass a nested object or list as an argument value, HttpGraphQlTester throws an exception.

Q: How can I overcome this issue? A: There are two possible solutions to overcome this issue:

Use a Custom ArgumentValue: We can create a custom ArgumentValue class that supports nested objects or lists. This class can be used to pass complex argument values to the HttpGraphQlTester.
Use a GraphQL Schema to Define the Argument Value: We can define the argument value as a GraphQL schema. This schema can be used to validate the argument value and ensure that it conforms to the expected format.

Q: What is the difference between a custom ArgumentValue and a GraphQL schema? A: A custom ArgumentValue class is a Java class that is used to pass complex argument values to the HttpGraphQlTester. A GraphQL schema, on the other hand, is a definition of the structure of the data that is being passed. While a custom ArgumentValue class can be used to pass complex argument values, a GraphQL schema provides a way to validate the argument value and ensure that it conforms to the expected format.

Q: How do I create a custom ArgumentValue class? A: To create a custom ArgumentValue class, we need to extend the ArgumentValue class and override the value() method. We can then use this custom class to pass complex argument values to the HttpGraphQlTester.

Q: How do I define a GraphQL schema? A: To define a GraphQL schema, we need to create a new GraphQLSchema object and define the structure of the data that is being passed. We can then use this schema to validate the argument value and ensure that it conforms to the expected format.

Q: What are the benefits of using a GraphQL schema? A: The benefits of using a GraphQL schema include:

Validation: A GraphQL schema provides a way to validate the argument value and ensure that it conforms to the expected format.
Type Safety: A GraphQL schema provides a way to ensure that the argument value is of the correct type.
Documentation: A GraphQL schema provides a way to document the structure of the data that is being passed.

Q: What are the benefits of using a custom ArgumentValue class? A: The benefits of using a custom ArgumentValue class include:

Flexibility: A custom ArgumentValue class can be used to pass complex argument values to the HttpGraphQlTester.
Customization: A custom ArgumentValue class can be customized to meet the specific needs of the application.
Performance: A custom ArgumentValue class can provide better performance than a GraphQL schema.

Q: How do I choose between a custom ArgumentValue class and a GraphQL schema? A: The choice between a custom ArgumentValue class and a GraphQL schema depends on the specific needs of the application. If the application requires complex argument values, a custom ArgumentValue class may be the better choice. If the application requires validation and type safety, a GraphQL schema may be the better choice.