# GraphQL with NestJS (Node.js / NestJS) > Apollo Server, resolvers, schemas, queries, mutations, subscriptions, data loaders - 25 interview questions - Mid-Level - [Interview Questions: Node.js / NestJS](https://sharpskill.dev/en/technologies/node-nestjs/interview-questions.md) ## 1. What is GraphQL? **Answer** GraphQL is a query language for APIs developed by Facebook, allowing clients to request exactly the data they need. Unlike REST where each endpoint returns a fixed structure, GraphQL provides a single entry point with a strongly typed schema. This approach reduces over-fetching and under-fetching of data while improving application performance. ## 2. What is the main role of a GraphQL schema? **Answer** The GraphQL schema defines the complete API structure by specifying available data types, queries, mutations, and relationships between entities. It serves as a contract between client and server, enabling automatic query validation and autocomplete in development tools. The schema uses Schema Definition Language (SDL) to declaratively describe types and their fields. ## 3. What is the difference between Query and Mutation? **Answer** Queries are used to read data without modifying server state, while Mutations are used to create, update or delete data. This semantic distinction helps understand an operation's intent and allows the server to apply specific optimizations. By convention, Queries can be executed in parallel, while Mutations are executed sequentially to ensure data consistency. ## 22 more questions available - What is a resolver in GraphQL? - Which NestJS decorator defines a GraphQL Query? Sign up for free: https://sharpskill.dev/en/login ## Other Node.js / NestJS interview topics - [Node.js Fundamentals](https://sharpskill.dev/en/technologies/node-nestjs/interview-questions/nodejs-fundamentals.md): 20 questions, Junior - [Node.js Core APIs](https://sharpskill.dev/en/technologies/node-nestjs/interview-questions/nodejs-core-apis.md): 25 questions, Junior - [Asynchronous Programming](https://sharpskill.dev/en/technologies/node-nestjs/interview-questions/asynchronous-programming.md): 25 questions, Junior - [Express.js Basics](https://sharpskill.dev/en/technologies/node-nestjs/interview-questions/express-basics.md): 20 questions, Junior - [NestJS Fundamentals](https://sharpskill.dev/en/technologies/node-nestjs/interview-questions/nestjs-fundamentals.md): 23 questions, Junior - [REST API Design](https://sharpskill.dev/en/technologies/node-nestjs/interview-questions/rest-api-design.md): 20 questions, Junior - [Validation & DTO](https://sharpskill.dev/en/technologies/node-nestjs/interview-questions/validation-dto.md): 20 questions, Junior - [API Documentation & Contracts](https://sharpskill.dev/en/technologies/node-nestjs/interview-questions/api-documentation.md): 20 questions, Junior - [Error Handling](https://sharpskill.dev/en/technologies/node-nestjs/interview-questions/error-handling.md): 20 questions, Junior - [Unit Testing](https://sharpskill.dev/en/technologies/node-nestjs/interview-questions/testing-unit.md): 20 questions, Junior - [Task Scheduling](https://sharpskill.dev/en/technologies/node-nestjs/interview-questions/scheduling-cron.md): 15 questions, Junior - [NestJS Modules & DI](https://sharpskill.dev/en/technologies/node-nestjs/interview-questions/nestjs-modules-di.md): 20 questions, Mid-Level - [Configuration & Environment Management](https://sharpskill.dev/en/technologies/node-nestjs/interview-questions/configuration-environment.md): 20 questions, Mid-Level - [JWT Authentication](https://sharpskill.dev/en/technologies/node-nestjs/interview-questions/authentication-jwt.md): 25 questions, Mid-Level - [Authorization & RBAC](https://sharpskill.dev/en/technologies/node-nestjs/interview-questions/authorization-rbac.md): 20 questions, Mid-Level - [Database with TypeORM](https://sharpskill.dev/en/technologies/node-nestjs/interview-questions/database-typeorm.md): 30 questions, Mid-Level - [Prisma ORM](https://sharpskill.dev/en/technologies/node-nestjs/interview-questions/prisma-orm.md): 25 questions, Mid-Level - [Middleware & Interceptors](https://sharpskill.dev/en/technologies/node-nestjs/interview-questions/middleware-interceptors.md): 20 questions, Mid-Level - [File Upload](https://sharpskill.dev/en/technologies/node-nestjs/interview-questions/file-upload.md): 15 questions, Mid-Level - [WebSockets](https://sharpskill.dev/en/technologies/node-nestjs/interview-questions/websockets.md): 20 questions, Mid-Level - [End-to-End Testing](https://sharpskill.dev/en/technologies/node-nestjs/interview-questions/testing-e2e.md): 20 questions, Mid-Level - [Caching with Redis](https://sharpskill.dev/en/technologies/node-nestjs/interview-questions/caching-redis.md): 20 questions, Mid-Level - [Queues with Bull](https://sharpskill.dev/en/technologies/node-nestjs/interview-questions/queues-bull.md): 20 questions, Mid-Level - [DevOps, Logging & CI/CD](https://sharpskill.dev/en/technologies/node-nestjs/interview-questions/logging-monitoring.md): 25 questions, Mid-Level - [Docker & Containerization](https://sharpskill.dev/en/technologies/node-nestjs/interview-questions/docker-containerization.md): 25 questions, Mid-Level - [Microservices](https://sharpskill.dev/en/technologies/node-nestjs/interview-questions/microservices.md): 30 questions, Senior - [Security Best Practices](https://sharpskill.dev/en/technologies/node-nestjs/interview-questions/security-best-practices.md): 25 questions, Senior - [Performance & Cloud Deployment](https://sharpskill.dev/en/technologies/node-nestjs/interview-questions/performance-optimization.md): 30 questions, Senior --- Source: SharpSkill (https://sharpskill.dev), tech interview preparation for your real stack. HTML version of this page: https://sharpskill.dev/en/technologies/node-nestjs/interview-questions/graphql-basics