Refetching and polling in GraphQL - Cheat Sheet & Quick Revision

Recall & Review

beginner

What is refetching in GraphQL?

Refetching means asking the server again for fresh data to update what you already have. It helps keep your app's data current.

beginner

What does polling do in GraphQL?

Polling automatically asks the server for new data at regular time intervals, like checking your mailbox every 5 minutes.

intermediate

How is polling different from refetching?

Polling happens automatically at set times, while refetching is done manually when you want fresh data.

intermediate

Why use polling in a GraphQL app?

Polling keeps data updated without user action, useful for live info like scores or stock prices.

intermediate

What is a downside of polling?

Polling can use more network and battery because it asks the server often, even if data hasn’t changed.

What does refetching do in GraphQL?

A Creates new data on the server

B Automatically updates data at intervals

C Deletes old data from the cache

D Manually requests fresh data from the server

Refetching means manually asking the server again for fresh data.

Polling in GraphQL is best described as:

A A one-time data request

B Repeated data requests at set intervals

C Ignoring server updates

D Sending data to the server

Polling automatically requests data repeatedly at fixed time intervals.

Which is a common use case for polling?

A Static content like a blog post

B Initial app loading

C Live updates like sports scores

D User login authentication

Polling is useful for live data that changes often, like sports scores.

What is a disadvantage of polling?

A It can waste resources by asking too often

B It deletes data accidentally

C It only works once

D It never updates data

Polling can waste network and battery by requesting data even when it hasn’t changed.

How can you stop polling in a GraphQL client?

A By setting polling interval to zero or stopping the timer

B By refreshing the page

C By deleting the query

D By logging out

Stopping polling usually means setting the interval to zero or calling a stop function.

Explain in your own words what refetching and polling mean in GraphQL and when you might use each.

Think about how often you want fresh data and whether you want to ask manually or automatically.

Describe one advantage and one disadvantage of using polling in a GraphQL application.

Consider what polling does and its impact on resources.