Robert Balicki - Isograph, Relay, and the Future of Data Fetching in React
Feb 26, 2024
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This podcast discusses Isograph, a data fetching framework for React, comparing it to Relay. They explore the future of data fetching, challenges in web development, and Isograph's journey to production. Topics include React server components, benefits of the Kinesis Advantage Keyboard, and innovative testing tools.
Isograph offers advanced tooling with IDE graphical explorer for GraphQL, enhancing visibility and UX.
Robert Balicki's experience with Relay influences Isograph's development to optimize data loading in React.
Isograph introduces 'client fields' for optimized data selection and rendering, potentially surpassing React server components.
Deep dives
Tooling for Isograph
Isograph aims to differentiate itself with advanced tooling, like the IDE graphical explorer for GraphQL. It offers a unique feature where fields in entities reveal nested components, improving visibility and UX for developers.
Robert's Background and Isograph Genesis
Robert Beliki, the creator of Isograph, draws from his experience with similar frameworks like Smithy for web-based applications and configuration-driven tools. Having worked on the Relay team, Robert's expertise and history with addressing data loading challenges in React influenced the development of Isograph.
Relay and Isograph Comparison
Relay, a client for GraphQL, and Isograph share a common goal of optimizing data loading in React. Relay focuses on efficient data fetching and data masking. Isograph introduces the concept of 'client fields,' aiming to unify data selection and rendering optimization, potentially offering a more versatile solution than React server components.
Challenges in Integrating React Server Components and GraphQL
Discussions revolve around the challenges of integrating React server components with existing tools in the ecosystem, particularly focusing on hurdles related to GraphQL and Relay. The speaker mentions the struggle faced by individuals like Elian Z from the Apollo team in implementing React server components with Apollo due to differences in server-side rendering model compared to client-side rendering. The conversation delves into the complexity of GraphQL tooling, emphasizing the need for enhancements in features like granular rerendering, defer support, subscriptions, and local data updates in tools like Isograph.
Future Trends in Data Fetching and Bundling
The discussion shifts towards the future of data fetching in web development, contemplating alternatives to existing technologies like GraphQL and exploring potential advancements in frameworks like Isograph. The speaker predicts a convergence trend in frameworks towards a bundler-centric approach for optimizing data fetching and rendering, envisioning a system where the bundler encapsulates app states and optimizes data loading based on dynamic requirements. The conversation highlights the importance of robust bundling tools in ensuring efficient data management and rendering across web applications.
This week, we have Robert Balicki on the show to talk about Isograph, a new data fetching framework for React. Robert has worked on the Relay team at Meta (formerly Facebook) and is currently at Pinterest helping them adopt Relay. We talk about the differences between Isograph and Relay, the future of data fetching and web development, and the journey to make Isograph production ready. Could Isograph be the future of data fetching in React? Listen to find out!
