What is .graphql?

A .graphql (or .gql) file contains code written in the GraphQL Schema Definition Language (SDL) or executable GraphQL queries. It is used to define the structure of an API or to request specific data from a GraphQL server.

This quick guide explains when to use .graphql files, how to open them on any device, and how to share them instantly with FileXhost.

When to use .graphql files

You are defining the schema for a GraphQL API (types, queries, mutations).
You are writing operations (queries/fragments) to be used by a frontend application.
You are sharing API contracts between backend and frontend teams.

How to open .graphql files

GraphQL files are plain text. You can open them in any code editor (VS Code, WebStorm) or specialized GraphQL tools (GraphiQL, Apollo Studio).

Algorithm details

GraphQL is a strongly typed query language. A .graphql file might contain a schema definition (`type User { id: ID! }`) or an operation (`query GetUser { user { name } }`).

Browser & platform support

Direct: Browsers display it as plain text.
Execution: Browsers cannot run it directly; it must be sent to a GraphQL server via HTTP (usually a POST request).

Format comparison

Feature	Details
Efficiency	Allows clients to request exactly the data they need, avoiding over-fetching (unlike REST).
Typing	Strongly typed schema ensures data consistency and enables excellent developer tooling (autocomplete).
Complexity	More complex to set up on the server side than a simple REST API.

How to create graphql files

Text Editor: Manually written.
Code Generation: Generated from database schemas or code-first frameworks (like Nexus or TypeGraphQL).

How to convert graphql files

To JSON: Introspection queries can convert a schema to JSON.
FileXhost: Upload to share schemas or query snippets.

Advantages & disadvantages

Advantages

Precise data fetching (no over-fetching or under-fetching)
Self-documenting APIs via introspection
Strongly typed contract between client and server

Disadvantages

Caching is harder than with REST (since everything is a POST request)
Steeper learning curve than REST
Can be overkill for simple APIs

Tools & software

IDEs

VS Code (GraphQL extension), WebStorm

Explorers

GraphiQL, Apollo Sandbox, Postman

Clients

Apollo Client, Relay, Urql

Frequently asked questions

Is .gql the same as .graphql?

Yes, both extensions are used interchangeably. `.graphql` is more common for schemas, while `.gql` is sometimes used for shorter query files.

Can I run this file?

Not directly. You need a GraphQL server to execute the queries against, or a client tool like Apollo Sandbox to send them.

Is GraphQL replacing REST?

It is a popular alternative, especially for complex frontend apps, but REST is still widely used and simpler for many use cases.

Technical specs

File type: Code
Extension: .graphql
MIME type: application/graphql, text/plain
Compression: Uncompressed
Max file size on FileXhost: Typically small (< 1MB). Up to 25 MB per file on free plans.

Upload your .graphql file to FileXhost to get a clean, shareable URL in seconds. View the file in a modern browser, protect access with optional settings, and let others download it without any confusing ads or cluttered file pages.

Upload .graphql file